A dream vacation turned into an unspeakable nightmare for one Minnesota family.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Stephen Junker, a pastor and father of five children, was one of the passengers on Princess Cruises' ship. To celebrate his son's wedding when an unexpected incident occurred. According to the GoFundMe created in his honor, Junker was found lying "face down and unresponsive" after he fell into one of the swimming pools on the ship.
Father of Five Passes Away After Cruise Ship Incident
It was only after the Italian Coast Guard took him to a nearby hospital in Naples that it was discovered that he had "severe compression of his spinal cord in the upper part of his neck. Upon the discovery, the Pastor was rushed into emergency spinal surgery back on August 17 and diagnosed with tetraplegia. A medical condition that caused paralysis of all four limbs and the torso.
At the time, the family had said navigating the Italian healthcare system was their "biggest challenge." However, they clarified that the challenges were not due to negligence. They said that the doctors were "doing their best." But they were not "well equipped" to properly treat his injuries.
About a week later, Junker was transported from the Italian facility to a Mayo Clinic in his home state of Minnesota. After the Mayo Clinic ran further tests on the father of five, it was concluded that his injuries were not treatable. About two weeks later, on September 5, Junker sadly passed away.
Junker presided over the congregation at Chippewa Lutheran Church in Minnesota. In part of his obituary, the pastor is praised for "animated sermons" and his willingness to help others in need.
He is known for his animated sermons, his love of a good conversation on nearly any subject, and his readiness to help anyone in need, whether that meant offering counsel or simply producing the right tool for the job from his ever-prepared pockets," the obituary reads (via The Mirror)
"Above all, Steve loved his family. He was a devoted husband to Jeanine and a loving father to his five children. His grandson, Jonah, held a special and cherished place in his heart."
