Paralyzed American fall victim responsive after spine surgery

KRABI: An American teacher who was critically injured when she fell down a 45-meter-high cliff at Railay Bay in Krabi is conscious and responsive after being rescued on Friday, but still cannot move her legs.

Hannah Michel Gavios, 23, is being treated at Bangkok Hospital Phuket after falling down the rock face while fleeing a would-be molester on Thursday night. A rescue party found her on Friday morning (story here).

She has since had an operation on her spine and is doing well, but still has no sensation in her lower body, reported Bangkok Hospital Phuket surgeon Dr Narote Trinarong.

“The operation went well. At the moment she can move her hands but not her legs. She needs more recovery time and may have to stay in hospital for another week. Otherwise she is doing fine and is mentally resilient,” said Dr Narote.

Phuket Tourist Police chief Naruewat Puttawiro and the local Ministry of Tourism and Sports office (MOTS) director, Sirawee Waloh, greeted Ms Gavios’ parents when they arrived at Phuket Airport on Saturday evening.

“The ministry is doing everything possible to support Ms Gavios and her parents. We wish her a speedy recovery,” said Ms Sirawee.

Ms Gavios is reportedly a teacher in Vietnam and had arrived in Phuket on September 1.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong