A family outing turned into a terrifying ordeal when a young girl was kicked in the head by a wild horse at Mount Charleston near Las Vegas. The incident left 3-year-old Olivia Wilkey with a head injury that required immediate medical attention.
Haley Wilkey, Olivia’s mother, recounted the harrowing experience, stating that she initially feared the worst when her daughter became unresponsive after being struck by the horse. The family had been at Lee Meadows for a photo shoot when two wild horses approached a group of picnickers. As people started to approach the animals, one of them suddenly kicked Olivia in the head.
In a panic, Haley called out for her husband, who quickly came to their aid. With no cell service in the area, he had to drive down the mountain to seek help. Fortunately, another bystander, a stranger to the family, stepped in to assist. He provided first aid supplies and helped apply pressure to Olivia’s wound to stem the bleeding.
The efforts of the Good Samaritan and Haley proved crucial in stabilizing Olivia until emergency services arrived. An ambulance transported the injured girl to the hospital, where scans revealed no serious brain injuries. Olivia was able to sit up and talk by Tuesday evening and was expected to be discharged the following day.
Olivia’s father, Austin Wilkey, expressed gratitude for the stranger’s assistance, wishing they had obtained his contact information to properly thank him. Haley echoed his sentiments, acknowledging the stranger’s role in saving her daughter’s life.
Reflecting on the incident, Haley admitted that they had been too close to the wild horse, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife in such environments. Despite the frightening ordeal, the family was relieved that Olivia was on the road to recovery.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of encounters with wildlife and the importance of exercising caution when in their presence. The Wilkey family’s experience underscores the critical role that quick thinking and assistance from others can play in emergencies, highlighting the kindness and compassion of strangers in times of crisis.
As they look back on the incident, the Wilkey family is grateful for the support they received and the positive outcome for Olivia. Their story serves as a cautionary tale for others venturing into natural habitats, emphasizing the need to respect wildlife and prioritize safety at all times.
