Volcano victims home soon
US couples burned in eruption recovering well
The newlywed tourists severely burned in Whakaari/White Island’s devastating eruption hope to soon head home.
Lauren and Matt Urey were among the 47 people on or near the volcano when it suddenly erupted in December.
The disaster has claimed the lives of 20 people.
The Ureys were on their honeymoon aboard the Ovation of the Seas. A number of those visiting Whakaari when it erupted were from the cruise ship.
Friend of the couple Joan Mooney told the Ohio-based WKBN news the Ureys were out of intensive care.
“They are making excellent progress. The doctors are amazed and their families are ecstatic because they’ve made such significant progress in a short time.”
Mooney said they hoped to return home to Richmond, Virginia, in three to four weeks.
“They are both very determined to keep their lives the way they were and just keep moving forward with it and just concentrate on getting well,” she said.
An update on the couple’s hospital recovery was posted on their Gofundme page at Matthew’s request.
“Matt wants everyone to know that he and Lauren are doing well,” it read.
“They are hopeful that they will be returning home soon.”
Meanwhile, another American couple struck in the tragedy may be home at the end of this month.
Ivy Kohn Reed and Rick Reed suffered severe burns in the eruption and have had multiple surgeries since the disaster.
A recent update on their Gofundme page by Ivy’s son Barry said spending time with the pair in Auckland had been
“heartbreaking and encouraging”.
Ivy Kohn Reed, who suffered burns to about 20 per cent of her body, is totally mobile and can move around freely, her son said.
“She is working with the physical and occupational therapists daily on keeping everything loose and supple.”
Rick, who suffered burns over 30 per cent of his body, will be re-examined next week but is expected to be up to using a wheelchair until then.
The two are expected to return to the US as soon as Rick can walk independently. “We believe the end of the month remains a reasonable estimate,” Kohn said.