Injured WA Police officer thanks supporters after campaign to fly her home from Croatia
A West Australian police officer who was hospitalised in a fall while travelling in Croatia has spoken out for the first time to thank her supporters as she continues rehabilitation in Perth.
Ella Cutler was rushed to hospital in August after slipping and falling about 10 metres from a wall in Dubrovnik, leaving her with serious injuries including multiple fractures to her skull, spine and ribs, as well as punctured lungs.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch with Detective Constable Ella Cutler, who was injured during a fall in Croatia earlier this year. Credit: WA Police
Cutler, 26, was with an Australian man at the time and local media reported the two fell when she leaned on him.
The young detective constable and her family met with WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch on Tuesday to express their appreciation for the outpouring of support in the wake of the accident.
Facing the prospect of an expensive special medical flight back to Australia, Cutler’s recover was further complicated when her travel insurance did not honour her policy because she had been drinking alcohol the night of the fall.
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A crowdfunding campaign, boosted by WA Police and Premier Roger Cook, subsequently raised hundreds of thousands of dollars within days to bring her home.
The Mirrabooka officer touched down in Perth in September, and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital for further treatment.
In footage released by WA Police on Wednesday to show the progress of her recovery, Cutler walked with the assistance of crutches at the Fiona Stanley Hospital rehabilitation centre.
