A pastor from Elbow Lake, Minnesota, has died following a severe spinal cord injury sustained in an accident aboard a cruise ship in Italy while celebrating his son's wedding. Steve Junker was on the Sun Princess on Aug. 16 when he fell and was later found unresponsive in a pool, according to a family-organized GoFundMe page.
Princess Cruises confirmed Junker's death and stated that ship personnel were alerted on Aug. 16 to a passenger requiring medical assistance. The cruise line said in a statement to Fox News Digital, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of our guest and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this extraordinarily difficult time."
The cruise line also noted that the guest was attended to by the ship's medical team and subsequently transferred ashore for further care. Junker's family reported that he suffered a spinal cord injury and nearly drowned during the incident.
He was transported by an Italian Coast Guard boat to a hospital in Naples, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. The family indicated that Junker underwent emergency spinal surgery the following day, which they stated was successful, though his spinal cord injury remained severe.
During his hospitalization overseas, Junker's family faced challenges in managing his medical care and arranging for his transport to a hospital in the United States. They stated, "We are working through the medical, logistical and financial challenges of arranging appropriate medical transport and getting him to a hospital in the United States."
Junker was eventually transferred to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, on Aug. 23 for additional treatment. He passed away on Sept. 4, surrounded by loved ones, according to family postings on Facebook.
Chippewa Lutheran Church, where Junker served as pastor, remembered him for his faith and the impact he had on others. The church shared a tribute from his son, Nathaniel Junker, who sang worship songs inspired by his father. A Facebook post from the church read, "He closed his eyes to this life and opened his eyes to Jesus."
An obituary for Junker noted that he previously worked as a pharmacist before entering the ministry. He is survived by his wife, five children and their spouses, a grandchild, and numerous other family members.