In the summer of 1960, seven-year-old Roger Woodward was just a kid looking forward to a boat ride on the Niagara River to celebrate his sister's birthday—he had no idea he was about to experience something that should have been impossible. When a simple mechanical failure turned their peaceful afternoon into a nightmare, Roger found himself being swept toward the edge of Niagara Falls, powerless against 750,000 gallons of water rushing past him every second. What followed was a series of moments so improbable, so perfectly timed, that witnesses called it a miracle—from his sister's desperate fight for survival just feet from the brink, to Roger's own journey over a 188-foot waterfall. This is the story of the boy who fell into Niagara Falls and lived, and the ordinary people who became heroes in the most extraordinary circumstances.

00:00 Introduction to The Crux True Survival Story Podcast
00:31 Listener's Suggestion: Roger Woodward's Story
01:23 Niagara Falls: A Natural Wonder
02:34 The Fateful Boat Ride
05:49 The Upper Niagara River: A Deceptive Calm
06:47 The Point of No Return
12:06 The Rapids: A Fight for Survival
16:52 Deanne's Rescue
21:23 Roger's Ordeal in the Rapids
22:34 The Calm Before the Plunge
22:53 Facing the Abyss
24:34 Over the Edge
25:07 Rescue by the Maid of the Mist
27:41 Miraculous Survival
29:58 The Aftermath and Media Frenzy
36:17 A Life Beyond the Falls
40:02 Reflecting on Survival and Legacy
42:25 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement

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REFERENCES & SOURCES

• "Bonus Episode: The Boy Who Went Over the Falls," Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe podcast, August 16, 2024
• 30th anniversary speech at Glengate Alliance Church, 1990
• "50 years later, survivor recalls accidental plunge over Niagara Falls," Deseret News, July 17, 2010
• "Sean Kirst: Survivor of plunge over Niagara at age 7 recalls terror at the brink," Buffalo News, July 13, 2019
• "'Miracle at Niagara' — 50 years later," Lockport Journal, July 2, 2010
• "Alabama man recalls fall over Niagara Falls 50 years ago," Rapid City Journal, 2010
• "Miracle At Niagara Falls: The Roger Woodward Story," B&B Niagara, July 30, 2017
• "Miracle At Niagara -- 7-Year-Old Survived A Plunge Over The Falls," The Seattle Times, November 26, 1998
• "Roger Woodward - Niagara Falls Miracle, Incidents, Survivor, Story," InfoNiagara.com
• "History of Niagara Falls Daredevils - Roger Woodward," NiagaraFallsInfo.com, February 8, 2017
• "The 7-year-old who survived going over Niagara Falls," INniagararegion, March 31, 2023
• "7-Year-Old Boy Survives Plunge Over Niagara Falls," Go Niagara Tours, July 31, 2025
• "Amazing Story of a Seven-Year-Old who Survived Niagara Falls," The Vintage News, August 11, 2018
• "Roger Woodward and Psalm 139," Words of Hope, April 19, 2021
• "Niagara," The History Channel documentary, 1999
• "Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic," IMAX film

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In this episode of Disaster Strikes on the Crux Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh explore the tragic story of Audrey Mestre, a world record freediver whose attempt ended in her untimely death on October 12, 2002. Audrey, a talented marine biologist and wife of famed freediver Francisco 'Pipin' Ferreras, attempted a No Limits dive to 171 meters off the coast of the Dominican Republic but never resurfaced alive. The episode delves into the mysteries surrounding her death, the possible negligence involved, and the ongoing controversy that has gripped the freediving community for over two decades. Featuring insights into the unique physiological demands of freediving, the mechanics of No Limits dives, and the subsequent safety improvements inspired by this tragedy, the discussion also touches on the fictionalized representation of her death in the 2022 Netflix film 'No Limit' and Pipin's subsequent defamation lawsuit. Audrey Mestre's story is a poignant reminder of the thin line between triumph and tragedy in extreme sports

Primary References

Books:

1. Serra, Carlos. The Last Attempt: The True Story of Freediving Champion Audrey Mestre and the Mystery of Her Death. Xlibris Corp, 2006. ISBN: 9781425738396.
   • Critical investigation by Pipin's former business partner alleging negligence

1. Ferreras, Francisco "Pipin" with Linda Robertson. The Dive: A Story of Love and Obsession. HarperCollins, 2004. ISBN: 9780060779528.

1. • Pipin's account of his relationship with Audrey and her death

Magazine Articles:

1. Smith, Gary. "Rapture of the Deep." Sports Illustrated, June 16, 2003.

1. • Comprehensive feature article on Audrey and Pipin's story

Documentaries:

1. Ellwood, Alison (Director). No Limits. ESPN Films, Nine for IX series, July 23, 2013.

1. • Documentary examining the circumstances of Audrey's death

1. Rosenthal, David M. (Director). No Limit (Sous Emprise). Netflix, September 2022.

1. • Fictionalized French film inspired by the story (subject of Pipin's lawsuit)

Official Reports:

1. International Association of Free Divers (IAFD) / McCoy Report. Investigation into Audrey Mestre's death, October 2002.

1. • Official investigation concluding accidental death

1. Dominican Republic Autopsy Report. Dr. Danyd Moquete Mendez and Dr. Ana Falete Mercedes, October 13, 2002.

1. • Official cause of death: asphyxia by submersion (accidental)

Legal Documents:

1. Ferreras v. Netflix et al. Superior Court of LA County, California, filed March 29, 2023; dismissed April 9, 2024.

1. • Defamation lawsuit regarding the Netflix film No Limit

Additional Sources:

1. Women Divers Hall of Fame. Audrey Mestre posthumous induction, 2002.
2. DeeperBlue.com - Various articles and community forums on Audrey's death and the freediving community's response

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In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh interviews Dr. Mitchell Seruya, a board-certified plastic surgeon and peripheral nerve specialist at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Seruya discusses his pioneering work in nerve surgery, including groundbreaking procedures that offer new hope to patients with paralysis and chronic pain. He shares his journey into medicine, the intricacies of his surgical techniques, and the remarkable recoveries of his patients, including a first-of-its-kind surgery for a previous guest. The conversation delves into the future of nerve surgery and the potential for advanced prosthetics and stem cell therapies. Dr. Seruya also emphasizes the importance of gratitude, mindset, and the spiritual aspect of healing in his practice.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Mitchell Seruya
01:23 Dr. Seruya's Career Path and Inspirations
02:43 Understanding Nerve Injuries and Surgeries
04:09 The Impact of Nerve Surgeries
06:22 Dr. Seruya's Hollywood Experience
08:38 Common Nerve Injuries and Treatments
11:34 Nerve Grafting and Transfer Techniques
16:32 Challenges and Considerations in Nerve Surgery
19:29 Personal Practice and Cadaver Nerve Usage
19:51 Theresa's Unique Case and Surgical Approach
21:09 Innovative Nerve Rerouting Techniques
25:42 Post-Surgery Recovery and Patient Mindset
31:18 Time Sensitivity in Nerve Damage Treatment
33:12 Future of Nerve Transplant Surgery
35:40 Addressing Chronic Nerve Pain
38:18 Training and Collaboration in Peripheral Nerve Surgery
39:33 Finding the Right Specialist
40:22 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

https://www.cedars-sinai.org/provider/mitchel-seruya-2624729.html

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