California makeup artist Nina Bakhshi was celebrating her 28th birthday in Cancún, Mexico, when a guided ATV tour ended in a devastating accident.
Bakhshi was riding with her boyfriend through Cenote La Noria when the group crossed a wooden bridge. One of the ATV’s tires reportedly became trapped between the bridge slats, causing the vehicle to flip.
Fall From ATV Leaves Her With Spine Injuries
Bakhshi was thrown from the ATV and fell through the side of the bridge, landing hard on her back.
She suffered serious fractures to her neck and spine and was temporarily paralyzed after the crash. Doctors later said she was fortunate to have landed on leaves, which helped reduce the impact.
Video Captures Terrifying Moment
The accident was caught on camera after Bakhshi began recording the scenery moments before the fall.
She later described the plunge as feeling like a nightmare, saying she could hear her boyfriend calling her name but was briefly unable to breathe or respond.
Rescue Delayed by Remote Location
The area was too difficult for an ambulance to reach, and the park reportedly did not have proper rescue equipment.
Workers eventually strapped Bakhshi to an old board and carried her out by hand before she was taken by truck to a hospital about an hour away.
Hospital Bill Dispute Allegedly Delays Surgery
Bakhshi said doctors in Mexico did not perform urgent surgery for 28 hours while a $24,000 medical bill was being addressed.
She did not have travel insurance, and the park’s local insurance policy reportedly did not cover the emergency operation.
Her family and friends helped raise money by lending funds and maxing out credit cards to cover treatment.
Long Recovery Ahead
Bakhshi eventually underwent major spinal surgery and has since regained movement in her legs.
She is expected to remain in a neck brace for five months and will need extensive physical therapy before she can walk normally again.
A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $47,000 to support her medical expenses and recovery.
Impact and Consequences
The accident has highlighted the risks of adventure tourism, especially in remote areas where emergency access and medical coverage may be limited.
It also underscores the importance of travel insurance for visitors taking part in high-risk activities abroad.
For Bakhshi, the crash has changed what was meant to be a joyful birthday trip into a long and painful recovery.
What’s next?
Bakhshi is preparing to return to California once doctors clear her for travel.
After returning to the United States, she will need further treatment, monitoring, and physical therapy as she works toward walking normally again.
Summary
Nina Bakhshi suffered severe neck and spine injuries after an ATV flipped on a bridge during a birthday trip in Cancún.
She says surgery was delayed over payment issues, but doctors were eventually able to operate and restore movement in her legs.
Bulleted Takeaways:
- Nina Bakhshi was injured during an ATV tour in Cancún.
- The ATV flipped after a tire became stuck between wooden bridge slats.
- She fell from the bridge and fractured her neck and spine.
- The remote location made rescue difficult.
- She said surgery was delayed for 28 hours over a $24,000 medical bill.
- Bakhshi has regained movement in her legs but faces months of recovery.
- A fundraiser has raised more than $47,000 for her medical expenses.
