Food Influencer Nathan Aguilera Prepares for Skull Reattachment Surgery After Hit‑and‑Run in Mexico

1 July 2025

Nathan Aguilera. Credit : GoFundMe

Nathan Aguilera, a popular food influencer with nearly 46,000 followers on Instagram under the handle “@foodieflashpacker,” is facing a long and challenging road to recovery after suffering severe head injuries in an alleged hit‑and‑run incident in Mexico on May 17. While walking home after dinner with friends, Aguilera was struck by a car and robbed of his personal items. Initially refused care at a private hospital due to lack of identification and insurance, he was later admitted to a public facility in critical condition.

Five days after the crash, locals discovered him unconscious and bleeding, prompting emergency brain surgery to address a severe skull fracture and brain bleed. Part of his skull was removed to alleviate pressure, and he remains in a medically induced coma as he awaits a delicate reattachment surgery and life‑saving care.

The surgery, expected to restore part of his skull, marks just one step on a projected one‑year rehabilitation journey. Aguilera will require continuous around‑the‑clock medical support, follow‑up procedures, and comprehensive therapy. The total cost is estimated at approximately $350,000 covering initial emergency treatment, the surgery itself, and ongoing rehabilitation. In response to this dire need, friends and supporters launched a GoFundMe campaign aiming to raise $50,000; it has so far garnered just over $28,500. Aguilera has expressed heartfelt gratitude for the assistance, recognizing the sacrifices of loved ones who have paused their lives to support him.

Originally from Oklahoma City, Aguilera built his online presence by traveling the globe and showcasing street‑food cuisine through lively, narrative‑driven content. His upbeat personality and passion for culinary adventure resonated with a growing audience, carving out a space within the saturated food influencer niche. The accident has abruptly halted that journey, thrusting Aguilera into a battle for full recovery with the looming skull‑reattachment surgery serving as a pivotal milestone in a long journey ahead.

During his initial trauma, Aguilera exhibited warning signs consistent with serious head injury, including memory loss, confusion, bleeding from the ear, and a critically low Glasgow Coma Scale score. These symptoms, combined with the skull fracture, triggered a neurosurgical emergency. Hospital caregivers removed a segment of his skull to reduce intracranial pressure, a standard but dramatic procedure in such cases. While invasive, it was necessary to preserve brain function and prevent further complications.

The enforced delay until his eventual surgery stemmed from a combination of administrative barriers, no ID, no insurance and initial misclassification of his condition. Only after intervention by friends and family was emergency surgery scheduled. Aguilera's case highlights a broader issue in cross-border medical emergencies: travelers may face steep obstacles in accessing care without proper documentation or coverage. Local volunteers and witnesses also contributed to his rescue by alerting emergency services and arranging transport a crucial detail in the hours following the crash.

As Aguilera awaits skull reattachment, his ongoing status requires constant medical vigilance. The expected post‑operative phase involves critical care monitoring, infection prevention, and slow neurological rehabilitation. Experts note that even after a successful reattachment, patients often face challenges ranging from cognitive rehabilitation to physical therapy. His case is not just a medical story but also a testament to the resilience of digital‑era public figures who rely on community and online engagement during crises.

Financial pressure is mounting alongside his medical prognosis. The full suite of procedures, hospitalization, surgery, and one year of rehab will likely exceed $350,000. While the GoFundMe campaign aims to bridge a portion of this shortfall, Aguilera’s supporters have stressed that any funds raised will go directly toward covering hospital stays, surgical costs, recovery therapies, and necessary family support. Aguilera himself acknowledged how deeply meaningful each donation and gesture of care has been, especially acknowledging the emotional and logistical toll on those providing round‑the‑clock care.

Beyond gratitude, Aguilera has also highlighted the fragile nature of life and health and the profound impact of unexpected crises. He reflected on how a simple outing to enjoy food with friends escalated into a trauma he never anticipated. Despite the injuries, he said that there is comfort in knowing that he is not alone; the efforts of loved ones, friends, and global supporters have become his lifeline.

At this critical juncture, the focus turns to preparedness and positivity. The GoFundMe page is active, providing transparent updates on medical milestones and expenses. Aguilera’s community is circulating videos of him before the accident a vibrant, curious traveler eager to explore new flavors. The message is clear: Nathan is on a different journey now, one defined by survival, patience, and slow progress.

As the influencer braces for skull reattachment surgery, plans are already underway to address potential future needs. These may include reconstructive procedures, additional corrective surgeries, and accommodations for potential long‑term care needs. The recovery timeline remains fluid, but providers emphasize that early intervention and family support can significantly improve outcomes.

Even in the midst of physical trauma, Aguilera’s social media presence remains active, albeit quieter. He has posted occasional photos from the hospital blankets, IVs, meteorological reports of his pulse each image captioned with hope and determination. His online community rallies daily, validating the power of digital solidarity in times of crisis.

In sum, Nathan Aguilera’s journey from street‑food content creator to patient awaiting skull reattachment captures the vulnerability of global nomads, the strengths of grassroots support, and the resilience required to confront the unexpected. For his fans, followers, and family members, every update signals not just medical progress but emotional survival. As Aguilera approaches this next surgical hurdle, the world watches, rooting for recovery, reinvention, and a hopeful return to the life and the flavors he so loved.