Dolphins Injure Mom in Freak Accident after Spring Break Swim
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March 25, 2025 by David Jones
A Tennessee mother, Cierra Stockard, who suffers from sickle cell anemia, is currently stranded in Jamaica following a bizarre accident during a dolphin encounter. Stockard was vacationing during spring break when a dolphin unexpectedly lifted her into the air, causing her to fall onto its dorsal fin. The incident resulted in severe injuries, which she described as akin to being in a car crash, during a phone interview with Nashville’s WKRN from her hospital bed in Montego Bay.
The impact of the fall left Stockard with a significant bruise, described by her sister as being the size of three apples. The injury was severe enough to require emergency surgery and two blood transfusions. Despite these interventions, Stockard remains in Jamaica, uncertain of when she will be able to return home.
Stockard’s family has been rallying to raise the necessary funds to bring her back to the United States. They have set up a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $55,000 to cover the costs of her medical treatment and return journey.
In addition to the physical trauma, Stockard’s pre-existing sickle cell anemia condition complicates her situation. She may require a third blood transfusion and is currently managing her condition with medication brought from home. However, her sister, Nevaeh Garton, who set up the online fundraiser, expressed concern that Stockard cannot manage her condition alone.
The family has reached out to the U.S. embassy for assistance, but they have largely had to navigate the situation independently. Stockard’s aunt, Kimberley Watkins, expressed the family’s urgency in getting Stockard home, stating that the current circumstances are far from ideal.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with interacting with wildlife, even in controlled environments. It also highlights the challenges faced by individuals with pre-existing health conditions when they encounter unexpected health crises while abroad.