The “inspirational” Kirsty Vassallo, who battled extensive brain injuries for 13 months following a car accident that claimed her boyfriend’s life, has died in Slovenia where she was undergoing rehabilitation.
On Monday, her family posted on Facebook: “It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce that our beloved Kirsty has passed away this morning. Many thanks for the support you have shown Kirsty and all her family in these difficult 13 months.”
Ms Vassallo, 20, was returning from work with Fernando Schembri, 22, when their Rover crashed into a rubble wall in Żebbiegħ in September 13 last year.
He passed away two days later and his organs were donated.
Ms Vassallo suffered extensive head injuries and was in hospital for several months. Following intensive treatment, she began showing daily signs of improvement and was even communicating with her visitors.
However, she required intensive and holistic rehabilitation, which was not available in Malta. The treatment alone cost between €55,000 and €75,000.
Since Ms Vassallo’s case was not eligible for financial assistance for treatment abroad, it had to be paid through private funds.
Touched by Ms Vassallo’s inspiring will to live, a number of people pitched in to help raise the required funds.
Ms Vassallo travelled to Ljubljana in Slovenia where she underwent intensive neuro rehabilitation.
Her steely determination and strength allowed her to make great progress.
However, following a surgical intervention last week, a number of complications arose that ultimately claimed her life.
Speaking to Times of Malta, Marco Calleja Vassallo remembered his cousin as a vivacious, energetic woman with a beautiful smile.
“She was the first of the younger cousins, born after a gap of around seven years. That’s why I always called her my baby cousin. I was very protective of her,” he lovingly recalled.
“She was bursting with life. At my brother’s wedding, she and Fernando were the last to leave the dance floor.”
He said that his cousin and also her parents showed incredible strength.
“She was so serene. Just speaking to her was enough to infuse me with strength.”
With heavy hearts, a flood of friends took to Facebook to express their grief and reminisce about Ms Vassallo.
Several devastated friends recalled her lovely smile, good laughs shared and many special memories.
“Let us be consoled by the fact that she is now free from pain and together with her beloved Fernando,” one of them said.