safety
‘Just a little too shallow’: Husband suffers catastrophic spinal cord injury in diving accident on July 4
By KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
FARGO, N.D. (KVLY/Gray News) — A Minnesota man is in the ICU after a diving accident at his family’s lake house on July 4 left him with a catastrophic spinal cord injury.Colin Bales, a physical therapist and Air National Guard member, was airlifted to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota...
Key takeaway (KVLY/Gray News) — A Minnesota man is in the ICU after a diving accident at his family’s lake house on July 4 left him with a catastrophic spinal cord injury.
Why this matters in The Midland
The tragic diving accident involving Colin Bales serves as a stark reminder for Midland residents to exercise caution when engaging in water activities at local lakes and reservoirs. As the community enjoys the summer season, it's crucial to be aware of the depth and potential hazards of these bodies of water. The Permian Basin is home to numerous lakes and waterways that attract visitors and locals alike, and accidents like this can happen closer to home than we think. The steep medical expenses incurred by the Bales family, estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million, also highlight the importance of being prepared for unexpected emergencies and having access to quality medical care. As the Bales family navigates this challenging time, Midland residents can offer support and learn from this incident to prioritize water safety in their own lives.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? FARGO, N.D. (KVLY/Gray News) — A Minnesota man is in the ICU after a diving accident at his family’s lake house on July 4 left him with a catastrophic spinal cord injury.Colin Bales, a physical therapist and Air National Guard member, was airlifted to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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