‘I’m grateful they survived’: Mother reflects on daughter’s accident in Vegas

By Nigel Maxwell

Recalling a phone call she received at 3:30 in the morning from a police officer, informing her daughter had been injured, Roberta Sinclair says she experienced every parent’s worst nightmare.

Early on Saturday morning, Katrine Sinclair and her friend Charlie Lastowsky were struck by a vehicle while at a crosswalk in Las Vegas, Nevada. They, along with another friend, had travelled there to celebrate Katrine’s 21st birthday.

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Sinclair, who noted her daughter was conscious but in pain, said that upon hearing the news she was overcome with feelings of disorientation and shock.

“You’re trying to understand the situation and then grateful because you hear they are alive,” she said.

Both young women sustained what were described as “severe, life-altering injuries” and remain hospitalized in Las Vegas. Sinclair said her daughter fractured her pelvis in three spots, fractured a rib, broke a humorous bone, and fractured a vertebra.

“As a parent that is very scary, but as far as we know there is no nerve damage,” she said.

Lastowsky’s injuries were similar in nature. She suffered a broken wrist, elbow and a fracture in her pelvis, but it was secured and did not require surgery. At the time of the phone call, Lastowsky was unconscious as the impact from the crash tossed her into the air.

“I’m grateful they survived,” Sinclair said.

Sinclair, who expressed her hope Katrine and Lastowsky could be released from hospital in a few days, noted they have no memory of the accident and last recall standing at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and taking pictures. Their friend had opted to stay back at the hotel.

Acknowledging concerns with getting a flight, Sinclair said she initially considered driving, but was fortunate enough to secure a direct flight on Sunday. Upon reaching her daughter’s bedside, she said she felt instant relief.

“The helplessness from being home and not there, especially when she is in pain, is especially difficult, so I’m glad that we were able to fly down and be by her bedside even though we are still quite helpless,” she explained.

Katrine is uninsured and Charlie was fortunate enough to have partial medical insurance before departing Canada. Her remaining medical costs are undetermined, however.

Katrine’s medical bills are expected to exceed $140,000, and the flight home by way of air ambulance will cost more than $43,000 for each of them.

Sinclair said the girls must return home via air ambulance as they cannot sit up due to their injuries. Both also require pain medication.

Meanwhile an online fundraiser had raised over $70,000 as of Wednesday. Thanking the community for the support and generosity, Sinclair said she hopes the incident will encourage anyone traveling to get medical insurance.

“Anything can happen,” she said. “Accidents happen, and it may not be your fault. You can be as careful as you want, but you need that insurance because life can be messy, so protect yourself.”

Parkland Ambulance also posted a statement sending support and prayers to Charlie and Katrine.

“Our team at Parkland Ambulance is a caring family,” the organization said.

“Now two members of the team need some care! We anxiously are waiting for them to get home. We are in contact with them and their families to know each day is a better day! The recovery from serious injuries will take time. We are with them on this journey and just as they would have our back, we have theirs. We miss you ladies. Get well and we’ll see you at home soon.”