The 33-year-old was riding a jet surf, which is a motorized surf board, when she fell into the water and hit her head, according to The Telegraph. She suffered a fractured skull and fractured vertebrae, causing doctors to worry she may be paralyzed. She is now in a coma.
The accident occurred off the island of Ischia in Italy last week.
Sturm’s agency, Next Models, said in a statement to The Independent: “We were shocked to hear about this terrible accident and our thoughts and prayers are with Yfke and her family at this time for her speedy recovery.”
Sturm just gave birth to a baby boy this summer. She posted a photo of him on her Facebook page on August 8.