A Colorado man is stranded in Denmark after falling seriously ill on a cruise

A celebratory trip for a Colorado couple has turned into a battle for recovery. Guy and Adrian Matlock have been in Denmark for over a month but should have been back weeks ago.

“It was her first cruise,” said daughter Moriah Matlock. “It was supposed to be a really great adventure, but it turned into something different.”

On September 14, the couple embarked on a 14-day cruise to celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary.

Their journey took a turn when Guy fell ill on the sixth day. Symptoms quickly escalated, leading to a diagnosis of type A influenza, which progressed to pneumonia and ultimately sepsis, which severely affected his lungs, heart and kidneys.

“My mother also became ill. We thought it was a cold,” Moriah explained. “He received medical attention on the ship, but it became too critical and they had to rush him to a hospital in Copenhagen.”

Guy's condition rapidly deteriorated, resulting in cardiac arrest, organ failure and small strokes. He is making some progress but still requires significant medical support.

“Given the damage this super virus did to his body, he healed very well,” Mariah said. “He can move his toes, hold his head up for short periods of time and trace things with his eyes. These are really promising signs.”

He is unable to stand on his own and requires constant medical attention, making a rescue flight the only safe way to get him home.
The cost of the Medevac flight is over $150,000. It must be paid in advance.

“We took out travel insurance, but it doesn’t cover everything. This also applies to our private insurance,” explained Moriah. “We are in a very difficult situation. We never wanted to have to ask for help.”

They collect money. There are pumpkins in front of her house with the words “Please donate” written on them.

An online fundraiser called “Bring Guy and Adrian Matlock Home Safely” is bringing them closer to their goal.

Over $137,000 was raised.

“The support we have received is incredible. My father is not just a father to me, he is a father to everyone. It’s so heartwarming to see people coming together for him,” Moriah said. “We are overwhelmed by human kindness. We can’t thank everyone enough for their help.”

She says the doctors in Denmark have done a remarkable job getting Guy to where he is now. Doctors told the father that his brain would be more stimulated if people around him spoke English.

The sooner he gets back, the better.

“Every little bit helps, be it a donation or just spreading the word. We appreciate every bit of it,” Moriah said. “My mother is also out there alone, completely isolated, and there's only so much one person can do.”