A Flight and Fight for Gordon

Thank you for taking the time to read about our friends Gordon Fluke and Jeff Atwell who have been together for 37 years. Jeff is reaching out for help after his travel insurance company refused to pay for Gordon’s emergency medical evacuation from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in January 2023.

The Worst Nightmare

Gordon and Jeff contracted COVID while on holiday vacation in Mexico. Jeff recovered, but his worst fears came true as his husband Gordon’s condition worsened. Gordon’s lung function declined despite being fully vaccinated.

Gordon was admitted to the intensive care unit of Hospital Medassist in Puerto Vallarta on January 6, 2023, where he was intubated and placed in a medically induced coma three days later.

For more than two weeks Gordon remained hospitalized while Jeff worked with the intensive care unit doctors to arrange Gordon’s medical evacuation to a hospital in the couple’s hometown, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The Medivac Flight

The doctors caring for Gordon in Mexico and the medical transport team determined Gordon was stable enough to travel by air ambulance so he could begin his recovery close to home.

The doctors at the receiving hospital in New Mexico also evaluated Gordon’s condition and agreed Gordon could be flown to St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe to receive the type of ongoing care and support possible only near home and close to the people who love him and care for him most.

Jeff arranged a medical evacuation flight, which would cost $38,000. Thankfully, the couple had purchased travel insurance in advance.

Jeff moved forward with the doctors’ recommendations to transport Gordon as he reached out to the insurance company regarding the cost of the flight.

Gordon was transported to New Mexico successfully on January 22, 2023.

Medical Coverage Denied

The insurance company’s medical director determined Gordon was not stable enough to travel despite never having consulted with Gordon’s doctors. The coverage of the flight was denied. Jeff pleaded with the company multiple times to reconsider.

Jeff said, “You shouldn’t have to fight with an insurance company at the same time you’re trying to get your husband of 37 years back to a hospital in the U.S. from another country.”

Saying Good Bye

Gordon survived the flight, but COVID-related pneumonia took his life on January 24, 2023. Our hearts are broken.

Friends are hoping to raise $38,000. The money will go directly to Jeff to cover the cost of the medical evacuation by air ambulance—an expense that should have been covered by their travel insurance.

In Memorium: Gordon Fluke

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) published a story about Gordon and his work as director of continuing education and printmaking and book arts instructor. Link to the story here.