Katrine Sinclair and her friend Charlie Lastowsky are on the road to recovery. (Submitted/ Roberta Sinclair)

By Nigel Maxwell

Frightening experiences

‘I’m grateful they survived’: mother reflects on daughter’s accident in Vegas

Apr 23, 2025 | 5:00 PM

Recalling a phone call she received at 3:30 in the morning from a police officer, informing her daughter had been injured, Roberta Sinclair says she experienced every parent’s worst nightmare.

Early Saturday morning, Katrine Sinclair and her friend Charlie Lastowsky were struck by a vehicle, while at a crosswalk in Las Vegas, Nevada. They, along with another friend had travelled there to celebrate Katrine’s 21st birthday.

Roberta, who noted her daughter was conscious but very much in pain, said upon hearing the news she was overcome with feelings of disorientation and shock.

“You’re trying to understand the situation and then grateful because you hear they are alive,” she said.

Both young women sustained what were described as ‘severe, life-altering injuries’ and remain hospitalized in Las Vegas. Roberta confirmed her daughter fractured her pelvis in three spots, fractured a rib, has a broken humorous bone, and a fractured vertebrae.

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“As a parent that is very scary but as far as we know there is no nerve damage,” she said.

Roberta and Katrine at the Las Vegas hospital (submitted photo/Roberta Sinclair)

Charlie’s injuries were similar in nature. She suffered a broken wrist, elbow and a fracture in her pelvis but it was secured and did not require surgery. At the time of the phone call, Charlie was however unconscious as the impact from the crash tossed her into the air.

“I’m grateful they survived,” Roberta said.

Roberta, who expressed her hope Katrine and Charlie could be released from hospital in a few days, noted they have no memory of the accident, and last recall standing at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and taking pictures. Their friend had opted to stay back at the hotel.

Acknowledging concerns with getting a flight, Roberta said she initially considered driving but then was fortunate securing a direct flight last Sunday. Upon reaching her daughter’s bedside, she acknowledged a feeling of instant relief.

“The helplessness from being home and not there, especially when she is in pain is especially difficult so I’m glad that we were able to fly down and be by her bedside even though we are still quite helpless,” she explained.

The two women had recently graduated together as paramedics. (Submitted photo/Roberta Sinclair)

Katrine is uninsured and Charlie was fortunate to have partial medical insurance before departing Canada. However her remaining medical costs are undetermined.

Katrine’s medical bills are expected to exceed $140,000 and the flight home by way of air ambulance will for each of them be over $43,000.

Roberta said the girls must return home via air ambulance as they cannot sit up due to their injuries. Both also require pain medication.

Meanwhile an online fundraiser has as of Wednesday raised over $70,000. Thanking the community for their support and generosity, Roberta said she hopes the incident will encourage anyone traveling to get medical insurance.

“Anything can happen, accidents happen and it may not be your fault. You can be as careful as you want but you need that insurance because life can be messy so protect yourself,” she said.

Parkland Ambulance also posted a statement, sending support and prayers to Charlie and Katrine.

“Our team at Parkland Ambulance is a caring family. Now two members of the team need some care! We anxiously are waiting for them to get home. We are in contact with them and their families to know each day is a better day! The recovery from serious injuries will take time. We are with them on this journey and just as they would have our back, we have theirs. We miss you ladies. Get well and we’ll see you at home soon”

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social