A Minnesota pastor has died nearly three weeks after suffering a severe spinal cord injury in a fall aboard a cruise ship off Italy, an accident that happened while he was 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 set up by his family.
Princess Cruises confirmed his death in a statement, saying ship personnel were alerted on Aug. 16 that a passenger needed medical assistance.
“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 cruise line said Junker “was attended to by the ship’s medical team and subsequently transferred ashore for further care.” His family said he suffered a spinal cord injury and nearly drowned in the fall.
He was carried by an Italian Coast Guard boat to a hospital in Naples, where he was admitted to intensive care, according to the fundraiser. He underwent emergency spinal surgery the next day. The family said the operation succeeded, but the injury to his spine remained severe.
While Junker was hospitalized overseas, his family said they were working through the difficulty of managing his care in a foreign country while trying to get him home.
“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.
On Aug. 23, Junker was brought to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for continued treatment. His family thanked supporters for their prayers and messages as he remained hospitalized.
“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 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 his influence on those around him.
“Pastor Steve was a wonderful person, loved by many, and had a great impact on many people through his faith,” the church wrote in a Facebook post.
The church also shared a tribute from Junker’s son, Nathaniel, who sang worship songs inspired by his father. The post read, “He closed his eyes to this life and opened his eyes to Jesus.”
Before entering ministry, Junker worked as a pharmacist, according to his obituary. He is survived by his wife, five children and their spouses, a grandchild, and other family members.
