Woman airlifted to Toronto hospital after 'catastrophic' water slide accident in Dominican Republic
An Ontario woman who suffered a "catastrophic" accident on a water slide in the Dominican Republic that left her paralyzed and stuck abroad for two weeks has been transported to a Toronto hospital by air ambulance.
“It’s such a relief,” Corina McCoy told CTV News Toronto.
Corina McCoy is taken into an air ambulance in Dominican Republic. Late Saturday morning, an air ambulance arrived in the Dominican Republic to transport McCoy and her 20-year-old son back to Toronto. By 8:30 p.m., she says she was lying in a bed at St. Michael’s Hospital.
“My bed was waiting for me,” she said.
A spokesperson at St. Mike’s umbrella organization, Unity Health Toronto, said she was glad to hear of McCoy’s return, but could not confirm or discuss patient information.
Global Affairs Canada also could not disclose details apart from stating that the organization is aware of reports that McCoy has returned to Canada and consular officials have been in contact with local authorities.
Corina McCoy boards an air ambulance in Dominican Republic. Upon arrival at St. Mike’s, the first order of operation was determining if McCoy required a second surgery. Her first operation took place in La Romana, Dominican Republic shortly after the incident, which happened on Christmas Day.
She was descending a water slide in a tube, which got stuck, halting her descent. Before she could regain momentum, someone slammed into her from behind. The force of the accident broke her neck and protruded a disc in her spine.
“I can't walk, I can't sit up, I have only minor strength to feed myself with my right hand,” she told CTV News Toronto 10 days after the accident. “I’m pretty much paralyzed from the chest down.”
Corina McCoy and her son while on holiday in the Dominican Republic before her accident took place. McCoy says her doctor decided against a second surgery, prioritizing finding a bed at a spinal-focused facility instead and moving her there for rehabilitation.
While the length of her road to recovery is anticipated to be a long one, McCoy says it’s a relief just to be back home.
“I feel like there is a plan and the supports are in place now,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Second Cup closes Montreal franchise over hateful incident
Second Cup Café has closed one of its franchise locations in Montreal following allegations of hateful remarks and gestures made by the franchisee in a video that was widely circulated online during a pro-Palestinian protest on Thursday.
‘It’s pretty emotional:’ N.B. family escape fire, plan to rebuild home
A family in Riverview, N.B., is making plans for Christmas and the future after escaping a fire in their home on November, 14.
'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-Olympian
One year after a couple was shot and killed in their Caledon home in what investigators have described as a case of mistaken identity, Ontario Provincial Police say they are still trying to figure out who pulled the trigger.
Scurvy resurgence highlights issues of food insecurity in Canada's rural and remote areas
A disease often thought to only affect 18th century sailors is reemerging in Canada.
B.C. man awarded $800K in damages after being injured by defective bear banger
A B.C. man has been awarded nearly $800,000 in damages as compensation for injuries he sustained from a defective bear banger, according to a recent court decision.
Cargo ship runs aground in St. Lawrence River near Morrisburg, Ont.
A large cargo ship remains stuck in the St. Lawrence River after running aground on Saturday afternoon.
A man called 911 for help during a home invasion. Las Vegas police fatally shot him
A Las Vegas man called for police help during a home invasion before an officer fatally shot him, according to authorities and 911 calls.
These royal residences are opening their doors this Christmas
Not so long ago, if you wanted to spend Christmas with the royal family, the only way to get close was to press your nose up to the TV screen during the monarch’s Christmas speech.
Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA
Donations are ramping up for a BC SPCA cat with a mangled paw after being caught in a hunting snare, one of a rising number of pets to fall prey to the hunting device.