I believed she was dead

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.

According to Olivia’s mother, Haley Wilkey, the family was at Lee Meadows for a photo shoot when two wild horses approached the picnic area where they were gathered. The peaceful scene quickly turned chaotic as one of the horses targeted Olivia and delivered a powerful kick to her head.

The severity of the situation was evident as Haley described her initial reaction, fearing that her daughter had succumbed to the blow. With quick thinking, she called out for her husband, who sprang into action by driving down the mountain to seek help due to the lack of cell service in the area.

Fortunately, another bystander, whose identity remains unknown to the family, came to their aid with a first aid kit. Together, they applied pressure to Olivia’s head wound, stemming the bleeding until emergency services could arrive. The harrowing experience lasted nearly 45 minutes before the ambulance transported Olivia to the hospital.

Olivia’s father, Austin Wilkey, expressed gratitude for the swift response of the medical team, acknowledging that their prompt actions likely saved his daughter’s life. Despite the initial shock and fear, scans at the hospital revealed no serious brain injuries, and Olivia was able to sit up and converse by the following evening.

The Wilkey family expressed their heartfelt thanks to the anonymous helper who played a crucial role in stabilizing Olivia before professional medical assistance arrived. They regretted not obtaining his contact information to express their gratitude more directly.

Reflecting on the incident, Haley 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 to prevent similar accidents in the future.

As the Wilkey family continues to recover from the traumatic event, they are grateful for the support and care that enabled Olivia to make a speedy recovery. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of interactions with wild animals and the importance of exercising caution in their presence.

In conclusion, the incident at Mount Charleston serves as a cautionary tale about the potential risks associated with encountering wild animals in natural settings. The quick thinking and assistance of bystanders, coupled with the timely intervention of medical professionals, played a crucial role in ensuring Olivia’s well-being. The Wilkey family’s experience underscores the need for vigilance and awareness when exploring outdoor environments where wildlife may be present.