Minnesota teen paralyzed in hockey incident plans to walk at graduation
[Fox 9 News, May 20, 2026]
A Minnesota teen who was paralyzed after an incident during a hockey game says he will walk across the stage to receive his high school diploma.
Jackson Drum of Alexandria was playing hockey in Vancouver, Canada, in 2025 when he tripped on the ice and fell backward, injuring his C1 and C2 vertebrae. He was paralyzed from the neck down. After recovering in Vancouver and Atlanta, he returned to Minnesota and began occupational and physical therapy at Allina Health Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute – Golden Valley.
Through hard work and determination, he is now able to walk with the help of crutches. He plans to show his progress as he receives his high school diploma on Friday, May 29. In a live interview featuring him and his mother on FOX 9, Jackson recounted his story of resilience and how the mindset that helped him excel in sports continues to support his recovery.
Jackson Drum of Alexandria was playing hockey in Vancouver, Canada, in 2025 when he tripped on the ice and fell backward, injuring his C1 and C2 vertebrae. He was paralyzed from the neck down. After recovering in Vancouver and Atlanta, he returned to Minnesota and began occupational and physical therapy at Allina Health Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute – Golden Valley.
Through hard work and determination, he is now able to walk with the help of crutches. He plans to show his progress as he receives his high school diploma on Friday, May 29. In a live interview featuring him and his mother on FOX 9, Jackson recounted his story of resilience and how the mindset that helped him excel in sports continues to support his recovery.
Posted on May 20, 2026 in
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
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