Ben Dobbin is a prominent figure on Australian TV (Image: Instagram/ben_dobbin)
Australian TV star and Triple M presenter Ben Dobbin has been hospitalised with a broken neck and spinal injuries following a terrifying bike accident.
The 48 year old, known for co-hosting The Rush Hour, was in preparation for the Noosa Triathlon when the dreadful incident took place, as reported by the Courier Mail. Reports suggest there are fears that he may be left unable to walk due to the traumatic crash.
Speaking from his bed at Brisbane’s Wesley Hospital, Ben recounted the chilling moment of the accident during his triathlon training. He told how he swerved to dodge a black snake on the road, resulting in a catastrophic fall.
Ben underwent a CT scan and an MRI which revealed a fractured C5 vertebrae. He faced surgery on Thursday night, after which doctors presented the grim possibility that he ‘might never walk again’.
Adding to his woes, the surgery was performed through his throat, leaving a risk of voice loss too, reports .
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Recollecting the accident’s impact, Ben shared: “My front tyre clipped his [Cam’s] back tyre and I lost control, shot across [the road], got spat out and went head first into the one and only steel pole.”
Ben disclosed he had informed the doctor, “that’s my career,” yet the medical professional prioritised his mobility, asserting: “My priority is to save you from being in a wheelchair for the rest of your life”. Even after being warned that most who sustain such injuries never walk again, Ben saw a ray of hope as he took his initial steps following surgery on Friday, though he acknowledged the journey ahead will be long.
The TV personality has faced his fair share of contention. In 2021, Ben claimed he was ejected from an opulent Queensland retreat due to an altercation involving George and Amal Clooney.
He divulged more on his Gold Coast radio program the succeeding year, recounting how his honeymoon at Qualia resort on Hamilton Island was curtailed post-wedding to Amity.
Ben snapped a picture of Amal Clooney in a spa, which according to him got him kicked out (Image: Getty)
There, Ben snapped a photo of Amal Clooney in the spa, which he subsequently forwarded to Channel Nine news. His actions resulted in a request for him to depart the resort prematurely.
In response to the event, a Hamilton Island spokesman issued a statement at the time: “As a premium resort destination, Hamilton Island’s primary responsibility is to protect the privacy and comfort of all our guests. For the privacy of all guests, unauthorised photography and filming of guests is unwelcome. Ben was given a warning and was deeply apologetic. Ben was never asked to leave and is more than welcome to return to the Island.”