Honza Ripa is resident  Healdsburg, CA and recent graduate of Healdsburg High School. Honza planned to attend Santa Rosa JC in the fall and share an apartment in Santa Rosa with his brother Vojta. He was truly excited about beginning this new stage of life.

But tragedy struck on Saturday, June 13, 2009. Honza and group of other Healdsburg High students were swimming at the Russian River in Healdsburg. Honza made a dive into the water and apparently hit some obstacle. Unable to move his limbs he remained motionless in the water until his friends realized something was drastically wrong and pulled him from the water. He was conscious but unable to move his arms and legs. His friends called 911 which responded quickly and Honza was airlifted by the REACH helicopter to the trauma center at Memorial hospital in Santa Rosa.

His mother Katerina and brother Vojta appreciate all the calls, emails, and messages offering help and support. But truly the best way to help is make a donation to the Honza Ripa Recovery Fund.  Please make a donation through paypal or send your donations to the Honza Ripa Recovery Fund, Exchange Bank, 1031 Vine Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448. You can also make a donation in person at any Exchange Bank branch.

We will post regular updates on Honza’s condition in the Update section of this site.

Again, thanks everyone for your concern and support