Famous big wave surf champion Ross Clarke-Jones is reportedly suing Australian Survivor producers Endemol Shine after he suffered a debilitating injury during one of the show’s challenges in 2019.
WATCH: Australian Survivor’s Ross Clarke-Jones injured during a challenge.
Ross, who competed in Australian Survivor: Champions V Contenders, was evacuated from the show after breaking his ankle in a horrific accident.
The challenge, which led to the injury, saw competitors swing from platform to platform by a rope. But when it came to Ross’ turn, the rope broke, causing the 53-year-old to fall and injure his ankle.
According to an investigation by news.com.au, Ross has filed a suit in the Victorian Supreme Court claiming damages for medical expenses and the loss of past and future earnings as a result of the injury.
“At the date of injury, the plaintiff was a professional big wave surfer with sponsorship arrangements, including with Red Bull and Quiksilver,” the statement of claim, obtained by news.com.au, reads.
“The plaintiff is and has been since his injury totally incapacitated for his previous employment and claims past loss of earning and future loss of earnings.”
Forced to leave the show, Ross is not only claiming lost earnings, but also his missed chance at taking home the grand prize of $500,000.
“The plaintiff also claims loss of opportunity in relation to competing for the prize money available on Survivor, and other professional big wave surfing-related events, awards and business opportunities,” the statement of claim reads.
Last year, Ross told TV WEEK: “It’s a long road ahead still, I won’t be surfing for another four to six months.
“This is the hardest thing to do, surfing is my livelihood so I can’t do anything, it’s horrible.
“Mid-swing the rope broke and the whole weight went on the ankle. I was screaming like a girl, I was in a lot of pain!”
The big wave surfer was the first Australian, and non-Hawaiian, to win the prestigious Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau in 2001 after 12 years on the ASP World Tour.
The incident was described by Endemol Shine at the time as a “technical fault.”
“Challenges are conducted under safety supervision and tested numerous times to avoid injuries. Contestants also have constant medical care from the series doctor and paramedics,” a statement made to news.com.au last year read.
“Unfortunately during a challenge, there was a technical fault and Ross suffered ankle ligament disruption. He was given immediate medical attention onsite and taken to hospital for further checks.”
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