Worcester, Massachusetts — A Worcester emergency room nurse remains hospitalized in Costa Rica after a devastating fall during a sightseeing hike left her with multiple fractures, temporary paralysis, and no clear timeline for returning home. The incident has rapidly evolved into a medical and logistical crisis for her family, who are now struggling to navigate foreign hospital protocols, insurance challenges, and mounting travel costs.
Last-Day Hike Ends in Serious Injury
29-year-old Kiara Diaz, an ER nurse from Massachusetts, was on the final day of a vacation with friends when they decided to take one last scenic hike before flying home. The group traveled to El Miro, an abandoned hillside mansion known for its sprawling views of Jaco and the Pacific coastline.
While walking near the structure, Diaz accidentally stepped backward off a ledge, falling an estimated 15 feet onto the ground below. According to her brother, Gindember Diaz, the fall resulted in a fractured spine, a broken collarbone, and temporary paralysis in both legs.
“She just wants to get back to the United States,” he said, describing her fear and exhaustion after days of uncertainty.
Friends Worked to Stabilize Her for Two Hours
Emergency crews took nearly two hours to reach the remote site after Diaz’s friends called for help. Both friends, who are registered nurses, immediately worked to stabilize her spine, unsure of the extent of her injuries but aware of how critical it was to prevent movement…