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Massachusetts ER Nurse Injured in Costa Rica Deemed Unfit to Fly

A lapse in insurance leaves her facing costly care, complicating her return.

Overview

  • Kiara Diaz, 29, fell about 15 feet at the El Miro site in Jaco, fracturing her spine and collarbone and experiencing temporary paralysis in both legs.
  • Doctors in Costa Rica have determined she cannot currently travel by air, with surgery in the country described as scheduled by family and friends.
  • Two friends who are registered nurses stabilized her spine on the ground for roughly two hours until emergency crews arrived, a friend said.
  • Her previous insurance had been canceled before she secured a new policy, creating financial and paperwork barriers for treatment and potential repatriation.
  • Her mother and brother have arrived in Costa Rica, and a GoFundMe organized by a friend is raising funds for medical care and a possible medical flight.