Pascale Honore was a 52-year-old woman who suffered T4 spinal cord injuries after getting in a car crash over 20 years ago. The resulting injuries left her wheelchair-bound but she reached international status after she went surfing while being duct-taped to her friend’s back. Unfortunately, she passed away over the weekend due to health complications.
Pascal gained mainstream media attention after a video went viral of her surfing on the back of Tyron Swan. Tyron is the son of one of Pascale’s friends, and she was duct-taped to Tyron as the pair went surfing together.
Pascale sustained her injuries 20 years ago when her car rolled as she was driving between Port Lincoln and Elliston. But she died this past weekend from a twisted bowel after going through surgery more than a week ago. Her health deteriorated and she spent more than two months in a hospital in Byron Bay for the treatment of pressure sores.
Her son, Tom, said: ‘she is living proof that anything really is possible! I love you so much mum, and I know you will be watching over us for the rest of our days!’ It was more than two years ago when a video, along with pictures, surfaced of her getting duct-taped to another surfer and then going for a swim. This resulting video inspired millions of people and she used it as a platform to show others that they can accomplish anything despite any struggles or setbacks.
Tyron, who is now 25, wanted to come up with a way where Pascale could still do the things that she loved despite her disability.
During an interview with Daily Mail, Tyron said: ‘When we first came up with the idea, I thought “I wonder if you can surf on the same board? I could duct tape you to my back and surf, I don’t see why not.’
The video, which was recorded by Mark Tipple, shows an excited Pascale on the back of Tyron as water splashes on their faces. She said: ‘I remember looking up, the color, the sound, being part of everything, being part of the water, I can’t find words to explain it.’
