THE DANGERS OF VOLCANO TOURISM

HOT ASH HORROR 

Haunting pic shows US couple’s loving selfie moments before being buried by hot ash from White Island volcano

Liz Little

10th February 2020, 11:53 am

A CHILLING photo has emerged of a smiling tourist couple just moments before they were buried alive in New Zealand’s White Island eruption.

Rick and Ivy Kohn Reed, who suffered critical injuries in the December 9 tragedy, shared the final photo taken of them shortly before the killer eruption.

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The last photo taken of Ivy Kohn Reed and Rick Reed before the deadly White Island volcano eruption

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The volcano erupted suddenly, sending 12,000ft plume of smoke and rock into the air

The American couple look relaxed and happy during their day trip to New Zealand’s White Island, posing for the camera while steam rises from the crater behind them.

Just 15 minutes later, the popular North Island tourism destination erupted underneath them, burying the pair under hot volcanic ash and toxic gases

21 tourists were killed in the tragedy, and another 26 seriously injured.

The couple shared the image on a GoFundMe page as part of their efforts to raise money for their medical treatment and rehabilitation following their miraculous survival.

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The American couple have expressed gratitude for the support shown from family and friends following the tragedy

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Rick Reed (pictured, right) faced three separate surgeries in a New Zealand hospital after suffering burns to 30% of his body

In her first public comment since the tragedy, Ivy wrote: “This is the last picture taken of us before our lives changed forever.”

“Approximately 15 minutes after this was taken, the White Island volcano erupted, burying us in hot volcanic ash and toxic gases.”

“Our dream vacation turned into a nightmare that we are still trying to comprehend.”

The American couple spent almost eight weeks in a New Zealand hospital receiving critical care treatment after the eruption.

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A photo taken from a boat that had left the island just minutes before the volcanic eruption in New Zealand

A chilling final photo from inside the crater appears to show a group trekking through the volcano moments before it erupted

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A helicopter is seen on the island after the volcano erupted covered in ash

They have both undergone gruelling skin grafts and it’s understood Rick faced three separate operations after suffering burns to 30 per cent of his body, including his hands, legs and face.

He also required physical therapy to help him start walking again as a result of his injuries.

Ivy had two surgeries for burns to 20 per cent of her body, including her hands, face and right leg.

The American couple were recently airlifted home to the US to continue with their recovery from the severe burns they suffered.

Ivy wrote it was a “scary time” as she and her husband tried to come to terms with their life-changing injuries.

She then thanked those who had offered “support, prayers, good wishes, cards, texts, messages and calls”, saying they had “helped us through some tough days.”

But she added: “The next year will be the hardest of our lives while we try to rehab and regain as much functionality as possible.”

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