Delco Agency Gets Interim Custody Of Injured High School Wrestler

BOOTHWYN, Pa. (CBS) - The parents of an injured Delaware County wrestler have until Thursday to convince a judge that non-traditional medicine is better option than surgery to fix their son's bruised spine.

Chichester High School wrestler Mazzerati Mitchell bruised his spine last week in practice.  He's been at Jefferson Hospital, in Philadelphia, where doctors say he needs surgery.

Now, Delaware County Children and Youth Services has been granted temporary custody of the 16-year-old.

"Doctors at Jefferson have indicated that it is absolutely necessary for the juvenile to receive an operation to his spine in order to prevent quadriplegia or death in the future, and the parents wish to treat his injuries with natural medicines," Delaware County solicitor John McBlain explains.

McBlain says Jefferson and Delco CYS have recommended the parents get a second opinion.  But he adds that the treating physician testified he's consulted with several other doctors who all agree surgery is the best option.

The attorney for the family did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Reported by Jim Melwert, KYW Newsradio 1060.