A kitesurfer tragically injured in a boarding accident was due to get married in four weeks' time.

Jeffrey Johnston, 35, was expected to marry Bermudian Stephanie Outerbridge at Holy Trinity Church in Hamilton Parish on September 25. But their wedding arrangements have been cancelled after Mr. Johnston was critically injured in a kiteboarding accident on Saturday.

Father of the bride, Danny Outerbridge said: "It is very difficult under the circumstances. It is very serious and the family is obviously very upset."

He described Mr. Johnston as "a very kind, loving person".

"They were a perfect couple as far as I am concerned. They loved one another and did everything right in this world.

"It just seems very unfortunate that this happened. They are supposed to be getting married in four weeks. The wedding has been cancelled. There is no possible way."

Mr. Johnston, who worked in the IT department at Hiscox Insurance Company (Bermuda) Ltd., was originally from Vancouver, Canada. He was kitesurfing this weekend when he lost control of his kite and was dragged onto jagged rocks at Somerset Long Bay beach. He injured his hand and leg and sustained severe head injuries.

He was initially treated at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital but was airlifted off the Island early Sunday morning.

Yesterday he was said to be in a drug-induced coma in a stable, but critical condition at Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital. Tony Ward was supposed to be a groomsmen at the wedding.

"We are just waiting to see how he responds when he gains consciousness. He has a long way to go before he is out of the woods. It has only been 48 hours so we are taking it one day at a time. A lot of positive [feedback] has been coming."

He said of Miss Outerbridge: "She is numb. She is being very, very strong. She has been a fantastic support to Jeff.

"When she first found out she was obviously devastated and hysterical but she is up and down. It is hard to say people's emotions when they are going through these things."

The couple's friends and family have expressed their support on a Facebook page set up on Sunday afternoon.

In less than three hours dozens of people, including church friends and members of the kitesurfing community, had written positive messages and prayers for the pair.

Pastor Charly Franks, of First Baptist Church in Devonshire, said Mr. Johnston was a dedicated member.

"I was shocked and deeply saddened, along with the rest of our church family at First Baptist, when I heard he had a serious kiteboarding accident.

"Jeff has been a part of our church family for more than ten years and is well known and loved. Jeff has volunteered in the past with our youth ministry at FBC, where he has developed a deep rapport with many of our young people. My two sons have a close friendship with Jeff and he has had a tremendous impact on their lives.

"From the time I received the call informing me of the accident, our church family has not ceased praying for Jeff's recovery and for God's comfort, grace, and strength for his family and friends as we all stand together in support.

"I consider Jeff a close personal friend and am committed to do all I can to support him in this time of crisis."