British Man Battling for Life in Thailand After Scooter Collision
A British man is fighting for survival in Thailand following a devastating scooter crash that left him with severe brain and facial injuries, while his family grapples with mounting medical bills due to a lack of travel insurance.
Horror Accident Leaves Zak Forsyth in Critical Condition
Zak Forsyth, a 21-year-old from Huyton, was riding a moped earlier this month when it collided with a vehicle in Thailand. The impact caused catastrophic injuries, including significant brain trauma and multiple facial fractures. His girlfriend, Amy Elkin, 21, has been providing updates on his condition through a crowdfunding platform, revealing the immense challenges they face.
Amy wrote: "Zak's progress has been remarkable, especially considering how close we came to losing him." She detailed that treatment has successfully reduced brain swelling slightly, with drugs converting blood clots into fluid, marking a positive development in his recovery.
Significant Pain and Long Road to Recovery
Despite these improvements, Zak remains in significant pain and is receiving strong medication to manage it. Amy, who flew to Thailand on February 9 to be by his side, emphasized that his condition could still change depending on how his brain heals. She stated, "Although Zak still has a long road to recovery ahead, he continues to make progress each day. I have never been prouder of someone in my life."
Zak's facial injuries were described as severe, with numerous bones fractured. He has undergone complete facial reconstruction surgery to restore his eye sockets, cheekbones, jaw, and nose, involving metal plates and his jaw being wired shut. Amy noted that his facial recovery is on a positive path, and he has had a tracheotomy, now breathing on his own after previously being on a ventilator.
Mounting Medical Bills Without Insurance Coverage
The financial burden is overwhelming for Zak's family, as he had no travel or medical insurance. Amy explained, "Medical care abroad begins charging the moment you enter the hospital and continues until discharge." Costs escalate daily for admission, medication, surgery, ICU care, scans, blood transfusions, and other treatments, with no fixed prices.
She added, "We are struggling with the ongoing medical costs, especially as every bill is marked as an estimate. If Zak's condition worsens and surgery becomes necessary, the hospital will demand immediate payment before proceeding." This has led to distressing moments, with hospital staff in the ICU room with a card machine.
Family Appeals for Support to Bring Zak Home
Zak remains in a coma in intensive care, and his family is urgently seeking help to cover expenses and eventually bring him back to Liverpool. Amy urged, "We continue to need as much support as possible to help Zak regain strength before we can bring him home. We would be extremely grateful if people could continue sharing the JustGiving page."
The incident occurred while Zak was sober and traveling on the scooter, with the motorist involved transporting him to the hospital. British Embassy officials confirmed his identity, leading to police notifying his family of the accident.
