FULLERTON : Mayor Catlin Home After Beach Wipeout

Mayor A.B. (Buck) Catlin has been released from the hospital, nearly a month after he suffered a spinal cord injury while body surfing.

The 71-year-old mayor said he will continue to undergo physical therapy at St. Jude Hospital and Rehabilitation Center in Fullerton. The accident left Catlin with partial paralysis in his hands and feet, but he indicated doctors expect a complete recovery.

“I received a bruise on my spinal cord,” said Catlin, who has to use a cane to get around. “I’m still walking with a limp. And I’m trying to get back control of my feet and hands through exercise and therapy.”

Catlin said he had been body surfing in Laguna Beach and was heading back to shore when the accident happened.

“The wave hit me and drove me into the sand,” he said, recounting the June 21 accident.

“I couldn’t move my feet or hands, and I was under about 1 1/2 feet of water. I could see the surface, but I couldn’t move.”

Catlin credited his wife and a friend, Carol Howard, with saving his life.

“I couldn’t hold my breath any longer, and I thought for sure I was a goner,” he said. “The next thing I felt were these hands grabbing me and pulling me ashore.”

Catlin said he is keeping busy by doing city work and preparing for his reelection campaign this fall. “I’ll still be able to make key City Council meetings, and I’m signing papers at home.”

Mayor Pro Tem Chris Norby has been filling in for Catlin since the accident.

“The one thing I’ll remember about this whole thing is the cards and letters from concerned people. You’d think I was George Bush or something,” Catlin said, laughing.