JetBlue Pilot Paralyzed on Family Beach Vacation Refuses to Give Up: 'I Want to See the Cures' (Exclusive)
By Wendy Grossman Kantor
Published on May 6, 2026.
Paul Hocking, a JetBlue pilot, was paralyzed after a beach accident at Bethany Beach, Del., when he jumped into the water and hit his head underwater, causing him to break his neck at the second vertebra. Despite being quadriplegic, Hocking's life changed when he was put on a ventilator and unable to breathe on his own. He underwent a diaphragm pacemaker instead of the ventilators and underwent reconstruction at the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction at the Plastic Surgery Center. Despite his physical limitations, Paul continues to pursue his passion as a commercial pilot and his wife, Nancy, who also works at JetBlue. Despite the disability, Paul remains able to move his arms or legs.
Read Original Article