Surgery on teen's neck 'went well'

ATLANTA - A Hall County teenager is reportedly doing well after undergoing surgery on his broken neck which he suffered in a swimming accident in a friend's pool earlier Tuesday night. His C-5 vertebra was also shattered.

Ben Hildebrant is the son of Rev. Loren Hildebrant, pastor of Flat Creek Baptist Church, and his wife, Sharon.

A posting on the church's Web site Friday morning said the surgery "went well" and that Ben was sitting up Thursday night, with help, but had not "regained any movement yet."

He was out of surgery by 9:30 Thursday morning. The posting says doctors were able to remove the bone fragments and put in a metal plate. He is now at Atlanta Medical Center, but as his recovery continues he will be moved to Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta.

Three friends who were with the West Hall High School junior are credited with pulling him from the water and saving his life.