Kirsten Lindsey, 28, was airlifted from Mexico to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for emergency surgery after sustaining severe injuries during a zip line excursion in Honduras. The incident occurred on the third day of her first cruise, a Carnival Cruise.
Lindsey was participating in a rope swing activity when the retrieval line reportedly tightened between her legs. After falling into the water, she initially believed she had only sustained minor abrasions. However, her condition worsened hours later at the ship's medical center, with swelling described as reaching the size of a baseball and pain so intense she required a wheelchair.
Ship doctors reportedly spent 26 hours treating Lindsey. According to her boyfriend, Blake Ford, medical staff worked to keep her awake, as she would stop breathing when drifting off from pain medication. The couple was evacuated from the cruise ship in Costa Maya, Mexico, and transported by ambulance to an airport, subsequently traveling via private medical jet to Florida.
In Florida, Lindsey underwent emergency surgery. Her mother, Tara McKinney, stated that doctors removed a "baseball sized clot." Following the surgery, the couple began an 18-hour drive back to their home in Bossier City, Louisiana. Upon arriving home, Lindsey had to be readmitted to an emergency room.
Ford expressed shock at Lindsey's early discharge from the hospital in Florida and stated that they were now receiving care from their own doctors. He also noted that medical professionals who have seen the injury have described it as unprecedented. Lindsey faces a long recovery period, and the couple is managing significant medical bills. The air ambulance alone cost $50,000, with an additional $3,500 charged for services on the cruise ship. Ford indicated that the total expenses, including transportation, lodging, and lost income, are substantial.
Lindsey shared her gratitude for the support and donations received, acknowledging the challenging road ahead for her recovery. Carnival Cruise Lines has been approached for comment.