A birthday celebration in Mexico turned into a life-threatening ordeal for a 29-year-old Los Angeles makeup artist following a severe ATV accident. Nina Bakhshizadeh is currently hospitalized in Cancún after a fall that left her with critical injuries.
The incident occurred on Sunday during a guided tour. Bakhshizadeh was riding an ATV with her boyfriend when his tire became caught in the wire of a bridge, causing the vehicle to flip.
While her boyfriend remained caught in the wire, Bakhshizadeh fell 22 feet from the wooden bridge into the Mexican jungle. The terrifying descent was captured on camera by her own cellphone.
Emergency Rescue and Recovery
Bakhshizadeh recalled the experience as both the “longest and the shortest fall” of her life, noting that she remained awake throughout the event. She described feeling immediate pain and praying for another chance during the fall.
Due to the lack of an available ambulance, rescuers carried Bakhshizadeh out of the ravine on a board. She was subsequently transported to the hospital in the back of a truck.
At the hospital, she underwent emergency back surgery to treat a broken neck and back. Bakhshizadeh stated she was “about to be paralyzed” and considers herself extremely lucky that she may be able to walk again.
Financial Strain and Travel Warnings
The accident has created a significant financial burden for Bakhshizadeh’s family. Because she did not have travel insurance, her family was forced to secure more than $50,000 to cover the cost of her surgery.
A GoFundMe has been established to assist with ongoing expenses and to facilitate her return to Los Angeles. Bakhshizadeh has urged other travelers to ensure they obtain travel insurance, warning that “you never know what may happen.”
Looking Ahead
Bakhshizadeh is currently focusing on her recovery in Cancún. She may be able to return home in approximately two weeks, provided she can sit upright.
Reflecting on the ordeal, she encouraged others to appreciate their health and cherish their loved ones. “Take some air, enjoy life,” she said. “It’s shorter than what you think.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the accident?
The accident happened during a guided ATV tour when the vehicle’s tire got stuck in the wire of a bridge, causing the ATV to flip and sending Bakhshizadeh falling 22 feet.
What injuries did Nina Bakhshizadeh sustain?
She suffered a broken neck and back, which required emergency back surgery.
How is the cost of the medical care being handled?
Since there was no travel insurance, her family had to come up with over $50,000 for the surgery and a GoFundMe was created to help with further expenses.
How often do you review your travel insurance coverage before heading on an international trip?