A family outing to Mount Charleston near Las Vegas took a terrifying turn when a wild horse kicked a three-year-old girl in the head, resulting in a serious injury that required hospitalization. The incident occurred while the Wilkey family, including four children, were at Lee Meadows for a photo shoot over the weekend.
Haley Wilkey, the mother of the injured girl, Olivia, recounted the harrowing experience, stating that she initially feared for her daughter’s life as she lay unresponsive after being struck by the horse. The tranquil scene quickly turned chaotic as the wild horses approached a group of picnickers, prompting people to interact with the animals.
As the situation escalated, one of the horses targeted Olivia and delivered a powerful kick to her head. In a panic, Haley called out for her husband, who quickly came to their aid. With no cell service available, he had to drive down the mountain to seek help, leaving Haley to tend to Olivia’s injuries with the assistance of a stranger who happened to be nearby.
The unidentified man, equipped with a first aid kit, helped Haley apply pressure to Olivia’s head wound to stem the bleeding. Despite their efforts, the bleeding persisted, requiring them to maintain pressure for nearly 45 minutes until emergency services arrived. An ambulance transported Olivia to the hospital, where she received life-saving treatment.
Olivia’s father, Austin Wilkey, expressed gratitude for the swift response of the medical team, acknowledging that they played a crucial role in saving his daughter’s life. Fortunately, scans revealed no significant brain damage, and Olivia showed signs of improvement, sitting up and talking before her anticipated discharge from the hospital.
The Wilkey family expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the stranger who stepped in to assist during their moment of crisis. Although they were unable to obtain his contact information, they wanted to extend their thanks for his invaluable help. Reflecting on the incident, Haley admitted that they had underestimated the potential danger of being in close proximity to wild horses and vowed to exercise greater caution in the future.
In conclusion, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of exercising caution when interacting with animals in their natural habitat. The Wilkey family’s ordeal underscores the critical role of quick thinking and community support in emergency situations, highlighting the profound impact of strangers‘ acts of kindness in times of crisis.
