Groom in coma after horrific crash during buck's weekend
A buck’s party has ended in disaster for Queenslander Ashley Hickman after a motorised scooter crash left him in a coma in Indonesia.
The 32-year-old from Cairns was enjoying a weekend away in Bali when on Saturday he crashed a moped, leaving him in a critical condition in a hospital in Kuta, a beach resort area on the holiday island.
He underwent life-saving surgery to relieve pressure on his brain and remains in a coma as doctors attempt to determine the full extent of his head injuries, his sister Brooke Parker wrote on a GoFundMe page.
His friends were forced to fork out $30,000 on the spot before surgeons would operate, with one able to delve into his super and another having available savings, news.com.au reported.
Mr Hickman’s fianceé Tam Matthews and mother Sharon have flown in to be at his side, but are uncertain of how long it could be before he can be brought home.
Medical bills have exceeded $50,000 already and the family have appealed for assistance in raising money to pay for his care.
His hospital bed alone costs $4000 a day, that’s before any medication or special care.
“We are asking those who are able to assist during this stressful time,” Ms Parker wrote on the GoFundMe page.
“Any donations you can spare no matter how little the family will be truly grateful for and appreciate all the support and messages.”
Mr Hickman had not obtained an international licence before driving the moped, meaning the travel insurance he took out for the trip did not cover any medical bills.
A friend wrote on Facebook Mr Hickman was due to marry his fianceé this Saturday but was instead having the fight of his life.
News.com.au reports he will have to spend another five days in intensive care and at least a fortnight in the Kuta hospital before family can even contemplate flying him home.
His family have been told his medical expenses could exceed $75,000.
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