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5 years after crash, Seattle skateboarder's message is the same: 'Make sure you put a helmet on'

In 2019, Ryker Schellings suffered a traumatic brain injury when he crashed on his skateboard. He wasn't wearing a helmet but now urges everyone to wear one.

SEATTLE — After a skateboarding accident in 2019, doctors told Rebecca Schellings that her 19-year-old son would not likely make it.

They told her to think about donating her 19-year-old son Aidan’s organs.

Five years later, Aidan Schellings, who now goes by the name Ryker, continues to prove those doctors wrong.

”I think you know we’re all amazed by how much he’s progressed since that day,” said Rebecca Schellings.

On April 29, 2019, Schellings crashed while riding a skateboard at Greenlake. He wasn’t wearing a helmet. Schellings didn’t think he had to since he was considered an expert skater.

RELATED: Seattle teen’s skateboard crash could change state helmet law

Schellings fractured his skull and suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Within weeks, Schellings was walking and beginning to talk again.

”I always say, ‘When life gives you lemons, make orange juice,’” said Ryker Schellings, laughing.

Schellings, now 24, recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of the crash. He considers it his “staying alive” day.

In the spring of 2019 therapists at Craig Hospital, a specialty brain clinic in Colorado, found music therapy seemed to work best.

RELATED: Music helps Seattle skateboarder heal after traumatic brain injury

Schellings still has weekly speech and physical therapy appointments.

His right side still requires strength training, and he struggles to find the right words, but speech therapist Megan Trout said Schellings gets better every session.

”I would say out of people I've seen, Ryker's made amazing progress, some of the most progress maybe I've ever seen,” said Trout.

Schellings said he is motivated to get better so he can keep spreading the word about the importance of wearing a helmet.

RELATED: New name, same mission for Seattle skateboarder one year after nearly fatal crash

He said he wants to hand out business cards this summer with QR codes showing his story to skaters who don’t think they need helmets.

Schellings wants the choice that changed his life to change the minds of others.

”Strap on a helmet. Don’t do what I did a couple of years ago, please, for my sake, for everyone else’s sake, just make sure you put a helmet on,” said Schellings.

Stay safe while skateboarding

According to the National Safety Council, in 2021, over 245,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms after being injured while skateboarding. Here are some ways the NSC suggests skateboarders can stay safe:

  • Make sure the skateboard is in good condition. There should be no cracks, loose wheels or slippery surfaces on top.
  • Wear close-toed shoes and a multi-sport helmet that fits properly.
  • Practice falling on soft surfaces like grass to learn to relax your body instead of tensing up.
  • Do not use headphones white skating.

For a list of ways to get free or discounted helmets in King County, click here.

Follow previous coverage of Ryker's Impact

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