Critically injured newlywed begins recovery

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Kirsten Steinke and Kenneth Kallan Stithem.

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Newlyweds in fatal Waitomo crash

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A critically injured American newlywed, who survived the Waikato crash that killed her husband, is out of intensive care.

Kirsten Steinke, 28, who was involved in a car accident near Waitomo Caves on 20 September in which her husband Kallan Stithem, 31, died.

Steinke has been in Waikato Hospital since the accident and was transferred out of intensive care today.

Her parents said her condition had improved to the point that she can begin her recovery and gather her strength.

Jim and Gerri Steinke say their daughter was continuing to communicate with them and hospital staff "thanks to the world wide efforts of support and prayer by so many."

"We would like to take this time to thank all the nurses, consultants, support staff, and registrars in the ICU for their tireless efforts in caring for Kirsten," the Steinkessaid

"We would like to give a special thank you to Annette Forrester and maxillofacial surgeons Steve Evans and Simon Lou for ensuring that Kirsten's jaw surgery was accomplished before more serious problems developed."

"Daunting obstacles of staffing, coordination, and unexpected emergencies were overcome to speed Kirsten's healing," the couple said.

Steinke will be transferred to a high dependency unit to continue her recovery.

Stithem's parents returned home to Denver, Colorado last week with their son's ashes. A vigil attended by more than 100 people was held for him in downtown Denver last week.

- © Fairfax NZ News