An eight-year-old Perth boy, Joshua “Joshy” Schuetz, was airlifted back to Australia today after a serious quad bike accident in Bali left him with critical injuries, according to a News.com.au report.
The accident occurred Wednesday evening near Ubud, central Bali. Joshy was on holiday with his family for a youth soccer tournament and was on a quad bike tour near Ubud when the accident occurred. The bike, driven by his older brother, flipped, trapping Joshy underneath. His brother managed to free him, but not before he sustained critical injuries.
He suffered a fractured skull and brain bleed, according to close family friend Bernice Ariasa on a GoFundMe campaign arranged for Joshy.
Joshy underwent surgery at a Bali hospital before his medical evacuation, and his plane landed at Perth Airport around 5 p.m, according to an ABC News Australia report. His condition remains critical, and he is currently in an induced coma.
In the wake of the accident, Ms. Ariasa shared the emotional toll it has taken on family and friends. “We are all exhausted and trying to process the trauma. It’s been a horrific experience,” she said on the ABC report, describing Joshy as “sweet, funny, and full of life.”
The Cockburn Wolves Futsal Club, where Joshy plays, has rallied around the family, urging community members to send prayers and support.
The Byford Futsal League in Western Australia is also organizing a fundraiser for his family, who now face mounting medical expenses due to his treatment and transportation costs.
Ms. Ariasa expressed hope for Joshy’s recovery, referencing a team motto: “A little wolf never gives up.”
To respect Joshy’s privacy, images of him have been excluded from this report.
