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A pastor from Elbow Lake, Minnesota, has died after suffering a severe spinal cord injury during a cruise in Italy while celebrating his son’s wedding.
Steve Junker was aboard the Sun Princess on Aug. 16 when he fell and was later found face down and unresponsive in a pool, according to a GoFundMe page organized by his family.
Princess Cruises confirmed Junker’s recent death in a statement to Fox News Digital.
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“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our guest and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this extraordinarily difficult time,” the cruise line said.
Princess Cruises said ship personnel were alerted on Aug. 16 that a passenger needed medical assistance.
“The guest was attended to by the ship’s medical team and subsequently transferred ashore for further care,” the cruise line said.
Junker’s family said he suffered a spinal cord injury and nearly drowned during the accident.
He was transported by an Italian Coast Guard boat to a hospital in Naples, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit, according to the fundraiser.
Junker underwent emergency spinal surgery the following day.
His family said the procedure was successful, though his spinal cord injury remained severe.
As Junker remained hospitalized, his family said they faced challenges navigating his medical care overseas and worked to arrange transportation to a hospital in the United States.
“We are working through the medical, logistical and financial challenges of arranging appropriate medical transport and getting him to a hospital in the United States,” the family wrote before his death.
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He was ultimately taken to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, on Aug. 23 for additional medical treatment, according to reports.
The family asked friends and loved ones to keep Junker in their thoughts and prayers.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every prayer, message, phone call, kind thought, and offer of support,” the family wrote.
He ultimately passed away on Sept. 4 surrounded by loved ones, according to family postings on Facebook.
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Junker’s church remembered him for his faith and the impact he had on those around him following his death.
“Pastor Steve was a wonderful person, loved by many, and had a great impact on many people through his faith,” Chippewa Lutheran Church wrote in a Facebook post.
Junker’s church remembered him for his faith.
The church also shared a tribute from Nathaniel Junker, Steve Junker’s son, who sang worship songs inspired by his father.
“He closed his eyes to this life and opened his eyes to Jesus,” the church’s post read.
Fox News Digital reached out to Junker’s family for comment.
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A mourner wrote on Facebook, “May God bring comfort for all who loved and care for Pastor Steve Junker. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
An obituary for the pastor noted that he worked as a pharmacist before answering the call to ministry. He left behind a wife, five children and their spouses, a grandchild and many other family members.
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