An Australian woman who spent the past year travelling across the globe is now fighting for her life in a Bali intensive care unit after a devastating accident during a holiday on the Indonesian island.
Luca Loveday, 29, had travelled to Bali for a break with a close friend before the trip took a horrifying turn just days after arriving.
Luca suddenly collapsed while standing inside a restaurant before falling and striking her head on a table and concrete floor.
She suffered a fractured skull, multiple brain bleeds and brain swelling, and remains in ICU as doctors continue to monitor her condition.
A GoFundMe launched by her loved ones described the incident as a “tragic accident”.
“Our beautiful Luca has been involved in a tragic accident, suffering a fractured skull and multiple brain bleeds and brain swelling,” the fundraiser states.
“She is currently in the ICU in Bali. The extent of her injuries are unknown.”
The page says the ordeal has left family and friends reeling.
“This has come as a complete shock to everyone who knows and loves her,” it states.
“Luca is strong, kind, and deeply loved, and right now she needs all of us behind her.”
Luca’s sister, Rikki Loveday, told News.com.au the family immediately travelled to Bali to be by her side.
“This trip was something Luca had been really looking forward to,” she said.
“She lives and works overseas, so it was a chance for her to take a break and spend some time in Bali with her best friend.”
Rikki said Luca has always loved travelling and exploring the world, which is something reflected across her social media accounts, where she has shared photos and videos from Sri Lanka, the Philippines, South Africa, Brazil, America, Mexico and Vietnam over the past year.
“She has always loved travel and was excited to relax and enjoy some time away before returning to work,” Rikki said.
“We have been by her side every day in ICU. At the moment, she is very confused and her memory is affected.
“She is often unsure where she is or what happened to her.”
The cause of Luca’s collapse remains unclear, with her family still searching for answers.
“The cause is still unknown. We are also trying to get CCTV from the venue to see what happened,” Rikki said.
Doctors have reportedly told the family Luca cannot yet be flown back to Australia due to the seriousness of her condition.
At the same time, the family is facing enormous medical expenses because Luca was not covered by travel insurance.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Luca is not covered by travel insurance, leaving her medical expenses to be paid privately,” the GoFundMe states.
“The costs for ICU treatment, ongoing care, and eventually getting her safely home to Australia are overwhelming.”
The fundraiser says donations will go directly towards “medical bills, hospital stay, and the critical care she needs to survive and recover”.
“If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would mean the world to us,” it states.
“Thank you for keeping Luca in your thoughts and for any support you can give.
“We are holding onto hope and doing everything we can to bring her home.”
Rikki described the situation as “the most frightening and overwhelming experience our family has ever faced”.
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