Minnesota Pastor Dies After Severe Spinal Injury

Incident and Treatment

Jonker was transferred to a hospital in Naples, Italy, after the fall. According to his daughter, Elizabeth, he was in critical condition upon arrival, and doctors discovered he had sustained severe compression injuries at the C3-C4 level of his spine. This area is near the jawline.

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On August 17, a day after the incident, Jonker underwent emergency surgery to stabilize the injured area and relieve pressure on his spine. However, he was unable to breathe on his own after the operation and required mechanical ventilation.

Consequences and Memorial

Jonker was also treated for a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in his lungs, which may have resulted from near-drowning. Elizabeth noted that his condition was critical but he was hemodynamically stable.

The Jonker family attempted to transfer him to a hospital in the United States for greater comfort. Ultimately, Jonker passed away on September 4 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by his family.

Janine Jonker, the pastor's wife, wrote a memorial for her husband on the Facebook page of the Chipewa Lutheran Church, stating, "Losing a pastor is very difficult for the church family. Pastor Steve was an extraordinary person who made a significant impact on the lives of many."

Jonker is survived by his wife, five children, a grandchild, parents, and a sister. A representative from Princess Cruises, which operates the Sun Princess, expressed condolences to the Jonker family and noted that he was under the care of the ship's medical team before being transferred to shore.

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Source: independent.co.uk