“Will Be Remembered”: Skateboarding Takes a Dark Turn as Accidental Injury Pushes University Student to Harrowing Fate

The risk factor is always high in any sport, but it multiplies exponentially in skateboarding. The skateboarders take unparalleled risks in an attempt to show off mind-blowing tricks. In doing so, they often push their bodies to the limit and end up with serious injuries. Even veterans such as Ryan Sheckler have suffered severe injuries while performing stunts. Recently, an incident involving a university student has come out as a chilling reminder of the dangers of skateboarding.

A promising young student named Paul Keagan Jaravata suffered a devastating fall while skateboarding. He received a serious head injury and was in a coma for almost a week. Every student and staff of Mount St. Mary’s University was hoping for his swift recovery, but their hopes were dashed with very saddening news.

Mount St. Mary’s University grieving the loss of a young skateboarding enthusiast

On September 7, the University community gathered to mourn the loss of Paul Keagan Jaravata. Doctors could not save him despite every effort to revive him. The news came in the wake of a vigil held the previous night by Mount President Timothy Trainor. The students and staff had come together to pray for the young man’s recovery. For the students who could not attend in person, the University live-streamed the vigil on Facebook.

Alongside students, Jaravata’s family from around the world watched the live-stream. His closest family members from the hospital also watched it. After his passing, a pall of grief descended upon the university campus. Mount St. Mary’s University paid tribute to the young talent in a Facebook post that was later reported on Yahoo News. “Keagan will be remembered for his wide-ranging interests, academic prowess, musical talent and zest for life,” it said.

Jaravata was pursuing a major in psychology and was an active member of several clubs on campus. He helped others by devoting his time to the Health Professions Club. Donna Klinger, who works as the Mount spokesperson, also said that Jaravata was dedicated to playing an active role in the Asian Culture Club, the Photography Club, the Mount Music Society and the Campus Ministry. Jaravata also loved playing intramural dodgeball in his free time. He was due to graduate in 2024. However, the cruel fates dealt him a tragic blow on September 1 while skateboarding down a hill.

A tragic twist of fate cuts short a promising future

That night, a motorist found Paul Keagan Jaravata lying unconscious on Irishtown Road in Emmitsburg. The man called the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office to the scene, who came and sent him to the hospital in a dire condition. The Sheriff’s office investigated the whole incident and concluded that it was a skateboarding accident and that there was no foul play. They even reported their findings, saying, “Injuries observed were consistent with a hard fall at speed coming down a hill”.

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The Sheriff was unable to identify the victim in the initial hours. Later, they updated the name of the victim and contacted the nearest of kin. The sad news spread like wildfire and reached his friends at the University. Paul Keagan Jaravata was a kind soul, and his death won’t go in vain. The young man had listed himself as an organ donor and had expressed his desire to help others even after his passing. His selfless nature is an example for all and will keep him alive in people’s memories for a long time.

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