Adventure and wildlife influencer Mike Holston, better known online as The Real Tarzann, has been released from the hospital and is sharing new details about the skydiving accident that left him seriously injured last week. Holston posted a video update to Instagram on Monday, offering fans a candid explanation of what went wrong and how he’s feeling as he begins recovery.
Holston, 32, first revealed the accident on Instagram while still hospitalized, posting photos of himself with bandages and a neck brace and telling his more than 16 million followers that he was “pretty banged up” but grateful to be alive.
Back on His Feet — and Speaking Out
In his first video shared after leaving the hospital, Holston appeared seated and more alert — though still visibly recovering — as he walked viewers through what happened during his skydiving jump. According to his account, what began as a routine descent quickly turned dangerous due to a misjudgment during landing.
“I came in too fast and misread the wind,” Holston said in the clip — a mistake he acknowledged as his own error rather than equipment failure. “I hit the ground harder than I expected… that’s what did it.” (Paraphrased from his Instagram reel.)
He went on to describe the moment he realized something was seriously wrong: shortly after impact, Holston said he struggled to breathe and was in intense pain for several hours before help arrived. He emphasized that while he had taken training and precautions, the conditions that day changed quickly and caught him off guard.
Holston also thanked his supporters for their messages and expressed gratitude to the medical staff who treated him. “I’m out now,” he said, “and I’m already working on getting stronger. I appreciate every one of you.”
Recovery and Next Steps
Doctors initially kept Holston hospitalized due to concerns about internal injuries and the amount of trauma he sustained, including chest bruising and leg injuries that required bandaging and observation. However, his condition stabilized enough for release over the weekend, as he posted the new reel explaining the incident.
In the video, Holston stressed that he will take time to recover fully, but he also hinted that a longer, more detailed breakdown of the accident — including footage from the jump — will be posted once he’s able to edit and narrate it himself.
Fan Reaction and Safety Conversations
Holston’s followers have responded with an outpouring of support and concern, many urging him to rest and focus on healing. The update also reignited broader conversations about safety in extreme sports and influencer culture, especially among fans who look to social media stars for inspiration and entertainment.
Holston’s skydiving accident underscores the risks associated with high-adrenaline activities, even for experienced participants. As he continues to recover, fans and fellow creators alike are watching for both his full explanation and his long-term plans for content going forward.
