Friends Rally Around Tennis Standout With Broken Neck

Kiland Sampa, a talented tennis player who was part of a Parkway North Viking tennis team that made it to the state tournament, is now recovering in Indianapolis following a serious accident at a hotel swimming pool that reportedly left him with a crushed spinal cord.

Sampa was in Indiana for a tournament earlier this month when he hit his head and broke his neck in a pool. He's since had surgery and is now able to eat food, but it is unclear what permanent damage has been sustained.

Through the Parkway North athletic department, the family declined comment, but referred Patch to a website where people are leaving words of support and donations to help cover the family's travel costs and the costs of eventually bringing Sampa back to St. Louis.

"Sending prayers your way! You can get through this! Vikings are strong! Stay positive! You're going to go on to do great things one day! :)," wrote Jazmin Witherspoon.

"You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Best wishes on a speedy recovery," added Connor and Emily Ladiq. "Your PNH family is here for you!! 

In the meantime, Sampa's friends are also rallying around him on Twitter using the hashtag #PrayForKiland