Steve Junker, a pastor from Elbow Lake, Minnesota, died Sept. 4 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, nineteen days after he fell aboard the Sun Princess in Italy, where he had been celebrating his son's wedding, and was later found face down and unresponsive in a pool on Aug. 16. His family said he suffered a severe spinal cord injury and nearly drowned. Princess Cruises confirmed his death to Fox News Digital.
From the Mediterranean to Rochester
Ship personnel were alerted Aug. 16 that Junker needed medical assistance. The ship's medical team attended to him before he was transferred ashore. An Italian Coast Guard boat carried him to a hospital in Naples, where he was admitted to intensive care. Emergency spinal surgery followed the next day.
His family, writing on a GoFundMe page, said the Aug. 17 procedure was successful, though the spinal cord injury remained severe. The family described working through "medical, logistical and financial challenges" to arrange appropriate medical transport and get him back to the United States. Before his death, they thanked supporters for "every prayer, message, phone call, kind thought, and offer of support." He arrived at Mayo Clinic on Aug. 23. He died Sept. 4, surrounded by loved ones, according to Facebook posts from family members.
Princess Cruises said it was "deeply saddened" by the passing and extended condolences to the family.
A pharmacist who became a pastor
Before ministry, Junker worked as a pharmacist. He served Chippewa Lutheran Church, which remembered him as "loved by many" and credited him with a significant impact on those around him through his faith.
His son Nathaniel, whose wedding had brought the family to Italy, sang worship songs inspired by his father as a tribute. A posting from Chippewa Lutheran Church described his passing: he "closed his eyes to this life and opened his eyes to Jesus."
Junker is survived by his wife, five children and their spouses, one grandchild, and other family members.