A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched for an American tourist who lost her partner and received substantial injuries during a horrific car crash on the Cork to Mallow road this week.

Deborah Baker, from Indiana, lost Jim, her husband of 42 years, in a road traffic accident this week while visiting Cork as part of a dream holiday to Ireland “they had planned for many years.”

Deborah had no travel insurance and friends and family are now trying to raise $75,000 to bring her and her husband’s body home.

The couple were travelling with Jack Adams, Mr Baker’s cousin, and his wife Peggy Sue, from Ohio, to Blarney when they were involved in a three-vehicle road traffic collision on the Cork to Mallow Road.

Peggy Sue was also killed in the crash.

The rented car the two couples were travelling in was in collision with an articulated truck near the Waterloo Junction.

Both Mr Baker and Ms Adams were pronounced dead at the scene, with Ms Baker and Mr Adams sustaining significant injuries. They were both taken to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for medical treatment.

The ‘Help bring Jim and Deb Baker Home’ Fund describes Jim and Deb as “the most real and nicest people you will ever meet.” 

A statement on the campaign page, says: “They were never extravagant and valued family and friendship above all else. We were all so excited for them to go on this trip.

“Sadly, in addition to dealing with grief and their world falling apart, the Bakers (family) have some big obstacles to overcome in the near future. Deb and Jim did not take out travel insurance and thus will have large medical bills. Deb cannot fly for six weeks due to a punctured lung so the family may look into bringing her home by ferry. There is the additional cost of preparing Jim and transporting him home for a proper funeral and burial.

“Thankfully, Jack was released but Debbie underwent surgery to repair her broken bones. Deb sustained a punctured lung, left elbow fracture, right clavicle fracture, rib fractures, and many bruises.

“We all feel so helpless at a time like this and want to help the Baker family.”

"First and foremost, pray for all of them for physical and emotional healing and strength and courage during this difficult time. I feel the next best thing we could do is assist them financially to help bring Jim and Debbie home."

People can donate to the fund by visiting https://www.go fundme.com/jimanddebbaker