Stephen Junker’s family was with him when he died on September 4, weeks after the Minnesota pastor suffered a devastating spinal injury during a cruise off the coast of Italy.
Junker, 58, had been aboard the Sun Princess to celebrate his son’s wedding when he fell into a swimming pool on August 16 and nearly drowned, according to a GoFundMe page established by his family.
“He suffered a cervical spinal cord injury after falling and nearly drowning onboard Sun Princess. He was found in the pool face down and unresponsive. He was then taken to a hospital in Naples via an Italian coast guard boat, where he was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit and placed on a ventilator,” the family said.
Doctors later discovered severe compression of his spinal cord at the C3–C4 level of his neck. He underwent emergency surgery on August 17 in an effort to relieve the pressure and stabilize the damaged area. Although the procedure was successfully, the severity of Junker’s injury left him quadriplegic and unable to breathe without the assistance of a ventilator.
He was taken back to the United States
His family then arranged for him to return to the United States and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
“After arriving at Mayo, Steve underwent diagnostic imaging. The tests revealed compression in his spine, which was relieved via emergency surgery,” the family shared in an update.
“The doctors have since attempted to test his ability to breathe on his own. Unfortunately, today his diaphragm muscles weren’t able to support independent breathing so he was put back on a ventilator. We will continue to test his breathing over the coming days.”
Sadly, further testing eventually showed that his injuries could not be treated.
“At 6:33 PM today, Steve went to be with Jesus. He was surrounded by his wife, children, parents, and friends,” Junker’s family wrote in a later update on their GoFundMe page.
“Further diagnostic testing had revealed injuries that were not treatable.”
Princess Cruises addressed the tragedy
The family also thanked those who helped them during the difficult weeks following the accident.
“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 wrote. “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.”
Junker had served as a pastor for almost a decade. An online obituary described him as someone known for his “animated sermons, his love of a good conversation on nearly any subject, and his readiness to help anyone in need.”
His wife, Jeanine, remembered him as a “wonderful person, loved by many.”
Princess Cruises also addressed the tragedy in a statement to LADbible.
“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.
“On August 16, shipboard personnel were alerted that a guest aboard Sun Princess required medical assistance. The guest was attended to by the ship’s medical team and subsequently transferred ashore for further care.”
Rest in peace, Stephen. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.
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