Worcester Nurse Kiara Diaz Injured in 15-Foot Fall in Costa Rica, Family Says She’s Waiting Days for Spinal Surgery

A Worcester emergency room nurse is fighting to recover after a horrific fall in Costa Rica left her with serious spinal injuries and unable to return home. Kiara Diaz, 29, was vacationing with two fellow ER nurses on their annual girls’ trip when she plunged approximately 15 feet through the deteriorating floor of an abandoned hotel structure during a hike on Friday.

The group had been visiting El Miro, a popular overlook in Jacó known for its sweeping views — and for its partially abandoned, graffiti-covered structures. According to the family, Diaz fell through a decayed section of flooring, crashing to the ground below.

Her friends, both trained ER nurses, immediately worked to stabilize her spine and keep her conscious. Help, however, was slow to arrive. Emergency responders allegedly took two hours to reach the site, leaving the group to manage Diaz’s injuries under dangerous conditions.

Diaz suffered a fractured T11 vertebra, additional trauma to the T12 region, a broken shoulder, and loss of sensation in her legs, which doctors say leaves her medically unfit to fly back to the United States.

Since Friday, Diaz has reportedly been waiting in a hospital hallway for spinal stabilization surgery scheduled for Tuesday. Her brother, Jadember Diaz, said the family is devastated and frustrated as they navigate the complexities of securing care in a foreign medical system while fearing permanent spinal damage.

“It’s been heartbreaking,” he said, noting that the family is doing everything they can to expedite her treatment and prepare for the long recovery ahead.

Loved ones have launched a GoFundMe, aiming to raise $100,000 to cover urgent medical needs and the costly medical flight required to bring Diaz home. The fundraiser outlines anticipated expenses including current hospital bills, ongoing care, rehabilitation, physical therapy, mobility equipment, potential home modifications, and support for lost income during her recovery.