8-year-old American cruise visitor Stefan Keryan was injured and dragged during a freak horseback riding accident in the Bermudian Landing area. He was traveling with his family on a Carnival Cruise and visiting the Bermudian Landing area on a horseback riding expedition.
But, it seems the horse bolted and the boy ended up getting dragged by the horse for quite a distance on his back and head on a gravel road. He received head injuries and severe burns from the friction with the pavement. His family says he had no helmet.
But tonight the Colorado boy is back home and getting the medical care he needs after he was med-evac'd out of Belize today.
It's a return that may not have been possible without quick contributions to a Go Fund Me now standing at just over $60,000 USD and an overwhelming response from the 8-year-old's home community in Denver Colorado.
And last night when the Medic plane touched down 1000 miles away in the boy's home state his extended family and even his teachers gathered at the Colorado airport to welcome him home.
Expenses to get Stefen on the medical flight home were over $12,000. Those fees were paid by one donor who'd seen the story on local Colorado news and wanted to help. Keryan is currently getting medical treatment at the Children's Hospital in Colorado.
Tonight, Management at the Baboon Sanctuary is speaking out to categorically deny involvement in the incident. They say, "Neither the Community Baboon Sanctuary nor any of its staff or guides were involved in any way with this tragic and most unfortunate accident. The Management of the CBS has been informed that the guests involved booked the horseback tour with a private tour operator in the village. This tour operator is not affiliated with, nor does the tour operator conduct tours on behalf of the CBS." End quote
For their part, The Belize Tourism Board confirmed awareness of the incident but responded with a very safe cop out, saying that Quote: "As this accident is an ongoing investigation we cannot discuss the details, and any questions should be directed to the Belize Police Department." End quote. They add that: " The safety and security of all guests visiting Belize remain our top priority."
