Yfke Sturm, a Dutch "Victoria's Secret" model, who suffered a skull fracture during a surfing accident, has woken up from a coma, according to reports.
The supermodel fell off a a Jet Surf or a motorized surfboard while vacationing in Italy near the island of Ischia last week, according to the Mirror. The 33 year old model fractured her skull and sustained severe spinal injuries when she was hit by another rider while attempting to swim to shore. The Dutch beauty was reportedly first sent to a hospital in Ischia before she was airlifted to Naples for specialist treatment. Doctors then placed her in a medically induced coma and even required the use of a ventilator. Reports claim that the model is at a serious risk of permanent paralysis given her spinal injuries.
On Thursday, September 3, La Repubblica, an Italian newspaper, reported that Sturm has come out of her coma and was showing improvement, states People. The model's father, Wilfred Sturm, also told a Dutch newspaper, The Telegraaf, last Friday, September 4 that his daughter has a "hairline fracture in her skull" and that there was "no bleeding."
The supermodel started her career at the young age of 15, states the Telegraph, when she won the 1997 International Elite Model Look Contest. The blonde beauty has appeared in many fashion spreads such as Marie Claire, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Sturm also worked with famous fashion labels like Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Chanel and many more. She even hosted a TV show titled Holland's Next Top Model. Last July, the Dutch beauty gave birth to her first son, Alexander.
The Telegraph report also mentioned that aside from modeling, the "Victoria's Secret" model is also an ambassador for the Dutch Red Cross Foundation. Sturm also has her own charitable organization, Yfke 4 Kids, which aims to helps children affected by AIDS.
