Manuela Kemp, the beloved Dutch singer and television presenter, has been fighting for her life since December 7, when she fell from her scooter during a solo accident in Portugal. Reports surfaced this past week detailing the dire nature of her condition, confirmed by her husband, Tjerk Lammers, who spoke to De Telegraaf about the traumatic events leading to her current state.
Tjerk Lammers revealed his worries about Kemp when she didn’t return home as darkness fell. Her late return prompted him to search for her, particularly due to her night blindness. “I checked all the places I knew she liked to go, and when I didn't find her, I drove to the police station,” he recounted. Lammers expressed to the officer, “It may seem exaggerated, but I’m worried about my wife.” At the police station, the officer regrettably informed him of the tragic accident.
According to Lammers, Kemp had been riding her scooter to shop for Christmas gifts when she met with the unfortunate accident. "She fell off her scooter, which doesn't even go very fast, and apparently had quite the impact. The scooter suffered little damage, but she landed on her head,” he explained. The helmet Kemp was wearing was shattered, and she lost consciousness immediately.
Remarkably, help arrived quickly as both a nurse and a doctor were nearby. “They stabilized her before the ambulance got there, and that's been incredibly important,” Lammers noted. Despite their efforts, the officers indicated to Lammers the severity of the situation, making it clear he needed to rush to the hospital. “They said, 'She's not dead,’ but the urgency was apparent,” he recounted.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Lammers was informed Kemp was being transferred from emergency care to the intensive care unit. Since then, Kemp has been displaying slight signs of recovery; recently, Lammers said, “She’s trying to wake up. She moves her arms and legs and occasionally opens her eyes. When I hold her hand, her heart rate increases, which are good signs, but we still have to wait and see how this will all end.”
Doctors have described Kemp's progress as “baby steps,” emphasizing the uncertain nature of her recovery. “We have no idea how long this will take,” Tjerk lamented. He has been present every day, holding her hand, providing comfort, and waiting for her to return to him fully.
Fans and friends are rallying behind Kemp during this tough time. Many recall her impressive career, which includes radio work up until 2022, as well as her television roles such as presenting shows like Eigen Huis & Tuin and De Vrienden van Amstel LIVE during the 90s. Lammers expressed hope and faith, saying, “While it is tough, we take each day as it lucks.”
The outpouring of support for Manuela Kemp serves as reminder of the impact she has made through her work and presence on Dutch media over the decades. Her fans remain hopeful for her recovery as they follow this developing story, eager for more positive updates on her health.
For now, Lammers continues to hold vigil by her side, hoping for the day she will wake up, returning to the vibrant persona her fans have long adored. "Every day I’m with her, and it’s all we can do at this moment," he concluded. The road to recovery may be long and fraught with uncertainty, but the love surrounding Manuela Kemp is undeniably strong.