View of the Sun Princess cruise passenger ship. Photo by Gerard Bottino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Read more Former Ohio attorney convicted of trying to shoot ex-wife at restaurant
A Minnesota pastor died after suffering a severe spinal cord injury and nearly drowning during a cruise in Italy while celebrating his son’s wedding.
Steve Junker, of Elbow Lake, Minnesota, was aboard the Sun Princess on Aug. 16 when he fell and was later found face down and unresponsive in a pool, according to a GoFundMe page organized by his family.
What they’re saying:
Princess Cruises confirmed Junker’s death 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 said.
The company said ship personnel were alerted Aug. 16 that a passenger needed medical assistance.
“The guest was attended to by the ship’s medical team and subsequently transferred ashore for further care,” Princess Cruises said.
Dig deeper:
Junker was transported by an Italian Coast Guard boat to a hospital in Naples, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit, according to the fundraiser.
His family said he suffered a severe spinal cord injury and nearly drowned in the accident. He underwent emergency spinal surgery the following day.
The family said the procedure was successful, although Junker’s spinal cord injury remained serious.
While Junker was hospitalized overseas, his family worked to navigate his medical care and arrange transportation to a U.S. hospital.
“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,” the family wrote before his death.
Read more Wisconsin GOP governor candidate swims from sinking plane after emergency lake landing
Junker was eventually transported to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, on Aug. 23 for additional treatment, according to reports.
His family asked friends and loved ones to keep him in their thoughts and prayers.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every prayer, message, phone call, kind thought, and offer of support,” the family wrote.
Junker died Sept. 4 surrounded by loved ones, according to posts from his family on Facebook.
The backstory:
Following his death, Junker’s church remembered him for his faith and the impact he had on others.
“Pastor Steve was a wonderful person, loved by many, and had a great impact on many people through his faith,” Chippewa Lutheran Church wrote in a Facebook post.
The church also shared a tribute from Nathaniel Junker, Steve’s son, who sang worship songs inspired by his father.
“He closed his eyes to this life and [opened his eyes to Jesus],” the church’s post read.
A mourner wrote on Facebook, “May God bring comfort for all who loved and care for Pastor Steve Junker. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
An obituary said Junker worked as a pharmacist before answering the call to ministry. He is survived by his wife, five children and their spouses, a grandchild and other family members.
Read more No. 4 Texas Longhorns rallies from 20-point deficit to stun No. 1 Ohio State 24-23
Fox News Digital reached out to Junker’s family for comment.