Tourist's horror three-storey fall while on 'dream' holiday in Thailand
A 21-year-old tourist has been left with “life-threatening” injuries after accidentally falling over a three-storey balcony two weeks ago while backpacking with friends in Thailand.
Jack Heathcock had just two days left on his “dream summer holiday” when the nursing student was critically injured and rushed to hospital where he underwent “several emergency operations to repair internal damage to his spleen, liver and kidneys”, his sister Chloe Heathcock said on a GoFundMe created to help bring him back to the UK.
“The family received a phone call that nobody wants to receive from his friend to say that Jack had fallen from a third storey balcony,” she said. It’s unclear how he fell.
“Within 24 hours of hearing the news, our parents Joy and Ian, had flown out to Thailand to be with their son, as I’m sure you agree, any parents would.”
Tourist's 'extensive injuries'
Jack spent a week in ICU before being transferred to a regular ward but is still undergoing treatment for his injuries, Chloe said. “Doctors have advised that due to the extensive injuries Jack has received, he will not be fit to travel in the short-term, and when he is able to travel he will need a medical repatriation,” she explained.
Although the 21-year-old did have a travel insurance policy, Chloe claimed the insurers — following investigations — “have deemed that due to the circumstances of the incident they will not be covering the claim”.
“We are looking to appeal this decision but are heartbroken that we are left with total costs expected to exceed £40,000 (A$76,000), this is not an amount that we as a family can afford,” the devastated sister said.
Tourist's 'dumb' move before being bitten by shark in Bora Bora
Dad slammed for 'absolutely stupid' act in Aussie tourist town
Tourist loses leg in gruesome travelator accident at airport
'Help end the nightmare'
Jack’s family are now raising money to “help end the nightmare” and fly him home so he can continue to recover.
“We would be eternally gratefully for any donations received and ensure all will go towards covering Jack’s medical expenses and getting my best friend back where he belongs,” Chloe added.
On Wednesday, she posted an update on her brother’s condition on Facebook, and included a screenshot of them on FaceTime as Jack sat in his hospital bed.
“Thank you so much again, the amount raised so far is being transferred over to my parents to pay for his first surgery as they are requesting first payment. Still a long way to go but we will get there,” she said.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
