Kite Surfer Dragged Through Streets, Into Building By T.S. Fay Waterspout

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- A 26-year-old kite surfer was critically injured when winds associated with a Tropical Storm Fay feeder band slammed him face-first into the ground and then dragged him through streets until he hit a building.

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IMAGES: Kite Surfer Dragged

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The man, who did not heed emergency officials' warnings to seek shelter during severe weather from an approaching Tropical Storm Fay, was kite surfing on the Fort Lauderdale beach at A1A and Las Olas Boulevard when the storm winds intensified.

Witnesses said a huge gust of wind caught the man by surprise.

The surfer, Kevin Kearney, was harnessed into his sail and videotaped being dragged along the beach and then into buildings, WFOR in Miami reported.

A WFOR photographer said Kearney was blown away by a forming waterspout.

Kearney was transported to Broward General Medical Center in critical condition.

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