American Couple Stuck in Costa Rica After ATV Crash

An Anoka, Minn., couple is stuck in Costa Rica after an all-terrain adventure landed one of them in the hospital.

Ron and Elissa Merritt are desperately trying to get back to the U.S. where their health insurance will pay for treatment. But, they say it will likely cost $30,000 for a medical flight home.

The couple had taken ATVs up one of Costa Rica’s scenic mountains, but Elissa was cut off on a road, fell 75 feet down a cliff and suffered severe injuries. With their health insurance worthless in Costa Rica, the hospital initially wanted $5,000. Ron turned over his credit card.

The next day the hospital wanted more money than the Merritts could provide. Family members tell KMSP-TV they will hold a fundraiser Saturday to try to help pay for a medical flight home.