Boy Ends Up Impaled, Almost Loses Ability to Walk in Freak Grilled Cheese Accident
In Mandurah, Australia, a 10-year-old boy named Landen Sturman experienced a near-fatal accident while making a grilled cheese sandwich. He slipped backwards and fell onto a steak knife in an open dishwasher, causing the blade to penetrate his spine, putting him just millimeters away from potential permanent paralysis. Fortunately, after receiving prompt medical care from neurosurgeons and orthopedic doctors at Perth Children’s Hospital, he made a full recovery and has returned to school.
Landen’s mother, Emma, emphasized the importance of safety when stacking dishwashers, advocating for parents to keep sharp objects pointed down.She expressed gratitude for the hospital’s exceptional care during the traumatic experience.During his recovery, Landen engaged in the hospital’s Artist in Residence program, discovering a talent for puppetry, which provided a positive outlet amidst his ordeal. The hospital staff and community praised Landen’s resilience and the effectiveness of creative programs in aiding children’s emotional well-being during recovery.
A boy in Mandurah, Australia, was nearly paralyzed in a freak accident involving a grilled cheese sandwich, PerthNow reported Thursday.
Landen Sturman, 10, was making a “cheese toastie” when he slipped backward into an open dishwasher and impaled himself on a knife.
The blade lodged into his spine.
He was just a “millimetre’s difference” from potential lifelong paralysis, according to doctors.
But thanks to the careful work of neurosurgeons and orthopedic doctors at Perth Children’s Hospital, Sturman recovered just fine and has since returned to school.
10-year-old narrowly escapes paralysis after falling on steak knife while making grilled cheese. pic.twitter.com/ZbDdLSzZ3D
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) February 20, 2025
Sturman’s mother, Emma, urged parents to avoid placing knives in the dishwasher with the sharp end facing up.
“Stacking the dishwasher is something so mundane that most people don’t think twice about it, but it goes to show how even the smallest actions can have a huge impact,” she said.
“Despite being such a traumatic event for our family, everyone at PCH was lovely. It really was the best outcome we could have hoped for.”
Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Carrick Robinson praised the hospital staff and celebrated Sturman’s recovery.
“It’s wonderful to see Landen doing so well after going through such a traumatic accident thanks to the world-class care he received at PCH,” Robinson said.
During his recovery, Sturman participated in the hospital’s Artist in Residence program, which provides the children with creative workshops, performances, and inspiration from professional artists.
Sturman took up puppetry, which he reportedly had a knack for.
“Despite Landen having a very tough few days at PCH, it’s also a positive to see him discover a new talent during his stay,” Robinson said.
“Creative workshops, like those provided through the Artist in Residence program, not only provide kids like Landen with a much-needed distraction, they also help to boost mental health, ease anxiety, and build social connections.”
Sturman’s mother praised the hospital for its service.
“The overall experience we had throughout Landen’s hospital stay turned a traumatic experience into something positive,” she said.
“If we can prevent even one other family from going through what we did, that would mean the world to us.”
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