A Minnesota pastor died after suffering a catastrophic spinal cord injury while on a cruise in Italy to celebrate his son’s wedding, his family revealed in a fundraising page.
Doctors found severe spinal cord compression at the C3-C4 level of Junker’s neck. He underwent emergency surgery Aug. 17 to relieve the pressure and stabilize the injured area. Although the operation was successful, the family said the injury left him quadriplegic and unable to breathe independently.
Junker also was treated for a multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection found in his lungs, likely connected to the near drowning.
The family arranged a medical evacuation after encountering difficulties getting access to Junker’s clinical records and care team in Italy. He left Naples aboard a trans-Atlantic medical flight Aug. 23 and arrived at Mayo Clinic that night.
After further imaging, Mayo doctors performed another emergency procedure to relieve compression in his spine. By Aug. 29, Junker was awake and communicating through nods and facial expressions, but he remained on a ventilator and had no feeling below his chest.
“We’re grateful to everyone at Mayo Clinic for their excellent care and to everyone who donated to help support Steve and the family,” the family said in one of several updates on GoFundMe. “We’re glad we were able to give him the opportunity to receive world-class care and reassured that everything that could possibly be done to help him was done.”
According to Princess Cruises, crew members were notified Aug. 16 that a passenger needed medical help.
“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,” Princess Cruises said in a statement provided to news outlets.
A spokesperson for the cruise line did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NTD News.
“The guest was attended to by the ship’s medical team and subsequently transferred ashore for further care,” the company said.
Junker first worked as a pharmacist after graduating from Creighton University’s pharmacy school. He later earned a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Brethren Seminary and became an ordained minister. He served Chippewa Lutheran Church in Brandon, Minnesota, for nearly a decade.
The obituary described Junker as an energetic preacher, devoted husband, father of five and grandfather. It said his ministry was one of his life’s greatest honors.
Junker’s funeral was held Friday at Chippewa Lutheran Church. Pastor Troy Tysdal officiated.
