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Minnesota Pastor Dies After Cruise Ship Accident in Italy While Celebrating Son's Wedding
Pastor Steve Junker of Elbow Lake, Minnesota, died Sept. 4 after suffering a severe spinal cord injury and nearly drowning aboard the Sun Princess in Italy on Aug. 16 while celebrating his son's wedding. He was treated in Naples and later transferred to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
A Minnesota pastor has died weeks after suffering a severe spinal cord injury and nearly drowning during a cruise in Italy, where he had traveled to celebrate 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. Princess Cruises confirmed his death in a statement, saying the company was deeply saddened and extended condolences to his family and loved ones.
The cruise line said ship personnel were alerted on 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.
Junker's family said he suffered a spinal cord injury and nearly drowned in the accident. He 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. He underwent emergency spinal surgery the following day. His family said the procedure was successful, though the spinal cord injury remained severe.
As Junker remained hospitalized, his family said they faced challenges navigating his medical care overseas and worked to arrange transportation to a hospital in the United States. They described working through medical, logistical and financial challenges to arrange appropriate medical transport and get him to an American hospital.
He was ultimately taken to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, on Aug. 23 for additional medical treatment, according to reports. The family asked friends and loved ones to keep Junker in their thoughts and prayers, thanking them for every prayer, message, phone call, kind thought and offer of support.
Junker died on Sept. 4 surrounded by loved ones, according to family postings on Facebook.
His church remembered him for his faith and the impact he had on those around him. Chippewa Lutheran Church wrote in a Facebook post that Pastor Steve was a wonderful person, loved by many, and had a great impact on many people through his faith. The church also shared a tribute from Nathaniel Junker, Steve Junker's son, who sang worship songs inspired by his father. The church's post read that he closed his eyes to this life and opened his eyes to Jesus.
A mourner wrote on Facebook, asking God to bring comfort for all who loved and cared for Pastor Steve Junker and offering condolences for the loss.
An obituary for the pastor noted that he worked as a pharmacist before answering the call to ministry. He leaves behind a wife, five children and their spouses, a grandchild and many other family members.
Fox News Digital reached out to Junker's family for comment.
