I believed she was dead

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. The incident occurred while the family was at Lee Meadows for a photo shoot, with two wild horses unexpectedly approaching the picnic area. The peaceful scene quickly turned chaotic as one of the horses targeted young Olivia, causing panic and distress among the onlookers.

Haley Wilkey, Olivia’s mother, described the harrowing moment when her daughter was struck by the horse. She initially feared the worst as Olivia lay unresponsive after the impact. With no cell service in the area, Haley’s husband had to drive down the mountain to seek help, while a stranger who happened to be nearby came to their aid with a first aid kit. The quick thinking and assistance of this unknown individual played a crucial role in stabilizing Olivia’s condition until medical help arrived.

The severity of Olivia’s injury required her to be airlifted to the hospital, where scans revealed no significant brain damage. Despite the frightening ordeal, Olivia showed signs of improvement and was able to sit up and communicate with her family within a short period. The Wilkey family expressed immense gratitude towards the stranger who stepped in to help during their moment of crisis, acknowledging his role in potentially saving Olivia’s life.

Reflecting on the incident, Haley Wilkey admitted that they had underestimated the potential danger of being in close proximity to wild horses. In hindsight, she emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wildlife in natural settings to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. The family’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for others, highlighting the unpredictable nature of interactions with wild animals and the importance of exercising caution in such situations.

As the Wilkey family continues to recover from the traumatic event, they are grateful for the support and assistance they received during a time of crisis. The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with outdoor activities and the need to prioritize safety when exploring natural environments. Olivia’s resilience and the kindness of strangers in their time of need have left a lasting impact on the family, reinforcing the importance of community and compassion in times of adversity.