Life Stories on Film, Travel

How Jumping 20 Feet Into a Cenote Sent Me to the ER: What Tourists Need to Know

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It looked like something straight out of a dream.

Crystal-clear blue water. Limestone walls. Sunlight pouring through the opening above. The kind of place that makes you forget everything else and just jump.

So I did.

And five days later, I was in the emergency room.

Tammy Rose standing in front of cenote in Cozumel, Mexico moments before 20 foot jump travel excursion

The Excursion That Looked Too Good to Pass Up

Before traveling to Cozumel, I booked an excursion that included a 20-foot jump into a cenote. The photos looked incredible — travelers suspended mid-air over glowing blue water, smiling like they were in a travel magazine.

I had never done a jump like that before, but it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

There was no real warning. No talk about risks. Just climb up, step forward, and jump.

So I went for it.

Before you jump, watch this: my real cenote experience and why I got sick.

The Jump

The second I hit the water, everything changed.

Instead of a smooth landing, I swallowed a large amount of water.

It went down my throat, into my nose — everywhere.

I came up coughing, but everyone around me was laughing, smiling, and swimming like nothing happened.

I brushed it off.

I wish I hadn’t. Click video below to see the jump.

The Symptoms Didn’t Hit Right Away

At first, I felt mostly fine.

But over the next few days, things started to change.

It started with nausea.

Then fatigue.

Then I just felt… off.

Each day, it got worse.

I couldn’t understand how jumping into beautiful, clear water could make me feel this sick.

woman jumping 20 feet into cenote in Mexico adventure excursion

Five Days Later, I Ended Up in the ER

By day five, I was throwing up blood.

My husband rushed me to the hospital.

Tests showed I had picked up bacteria.

I was given medication and treatment, and thankfully, I’m now recovering.

But it was scary.

Because it all started with something that looked completely harmless.

hotel bed with blood and vomit after Tammy Rose became sick from cenote water in Cozumel Mexico
This is when I knew something was seriously wrong-five days after swallowing cenote water, I ended up in the ER.

What Many Tourists Don’t Realize About Cenotes

Cenotes are natural sinkholes.

They are not chlorinated pools.

They contain natural water — and sometimes bacteria and parasites.

Even when they look clean, they can still make you sick if you inhale or swallow the water.

Most people are fine.

But not everyone.

And I wasn’t.

According to travel health experts, natural bodies of water can contain bacteria that may cause illness if swallowed. Click here to learn more from the CDC.

Couple standing in front of a cenote

My Advice to Anyone Thinking About Jumping Into a Cenote

I’m not saying don’t do it.

Just be smart.

Be careful.

Protect yourself.

And listen to your body if something feels wrong afterward.

Because what started as a 20-foot jump into paradise…

Sent me to the ER.

This wasn’t the only adventure we experienced on this trip — you can read about my full Cozumel excursion here.

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Aviation News, Breaking News

Flagstaff DPS Helicopter Crash: Why This One Hits Home

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Reporter Tammy Rose flying over Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013..
Flames burn through rugged terrain during the Yarnell Hill Fire near Yarnell, Arizona in 2013.

I flew in Arizona for more than 12 years and attended Northern Arizona University, so news of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter crash in Flagstaff hits especially close to home.

Northern Arizona airspace is familiar, challenging, and unforgiving at night — a place many of us in aviation know well.

Arizona DPS Aviation Bureau helicopter from the official DPS Aviation Services page — used with attribution.  
Photo courtesy of Arizona Department of Public Safety Aviation Bureau 

According to DPS, the helicopter was assisting law enforcement during an active incident in Flagstaff when it went down late on February 4th, 2026.

Both crew members on board were killed. DPS confirmed the loss during a press conference and stated the helicopter was providing aerial support at the time.

For official updates, visit the Arizona Department of Public Safety:

The Bell 407, N56AZ, crashed west of the active shooter scene after entering a rapid climb with groundspeeds dropping to 4 knots.

Witnesses captured video of the helicopter in an apparent out-of-control spin. Weather at Flagstaff was clear with light winds, indicating conditions were likely not a factor.

Video shows aerial views of the crash aftermath and is from ABC15 Arizona — gives a sense of what happened on scene. 

This remains an active investigation, and authorities have not released details on what caused the helicopter to go down. As someone who has flown these skies, I know how much experience, training, and professionalism these crews bring to every mission.

Flagstaff isn’t just a dot on a map — it’s a tight-knit aviation and mountain community. My thoughts are with the families, coworkers, and first responders affected by this tragic loss.

For more aviation news, click here.

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Breaking News

Investigation Underway After Body Found in Buffalo Bayou

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HPD and CSI investigators examine a Houston bayou near the 610 Ship Channel Bridge during a homicidee investigation
CSI and police investigate along a Houston bayou after a body discovered near the 610 bridge

Rising Number of Bodies Found in Houston Bayous. Are the Cases Connected?

A body was pulled from the Buffalo Bayou near 8300 High Level Rd, Monday morning near the Port of Houston.. HPD and CSI are on scene investigating , but authorities have not released the victim’s identity.

Where the Body Was Found
Homicide Investigation Underway

This is the latest in a series of Houston bayou body recoveries over the last several years according to HPD.

The case adds to growing concern over the number of bodies recovered from Houston-area waterways in recent years. According to Harris County forensic records, nearly 200 bodies have been found in local bayous since 2017. In the past two years alone, recoveries reached some of the highest totals on record, with 35 bodies found in 2024 and 34 in 2025.

Officials say cases vary widely — including drownings, accidents, suicides, homicides, and undetermined deaths — and investigations are handled individually. Authorities have not said whether this latest homicide is connected to any other cases.

For more breaking news stories, click here.

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Life Stories on Film

He Ditched Glasses for Good: Inside My Husband’s LASIK Surgery Day

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Man lying on a surgical table moments before undergoing LASIK eye surgery

Watching someone you love have eye surgery is not for the faint of heart — but today, my husband officially took the leap and had LASIK. After years of glasses and contacts, he decided it was time to wake up and see clearly without reaching for lenses first thing in the morning. From the nerves before the procedure to what the surgery actually looked like and how he felt afterward, here’s what the LASIK experience was really like from our side.

Watching part of the procedure up close was surreal. I decided to share a portion of the LASIK surgery so you can see what the process actually looks like in real time — something most people are curious about but rarely get to witness. The video below shows a brief moment during the procedure as the laser works to reshape the cornea, which is how vision is corrected. It’s quick, highly precise, and over before you know it, but seeing it happen brings a whole new appreciation for the technology behind modern vision correction.

Viewer note: This is a real medical procedure, so if you’re sensitive to eye-related content, you may want to skip the video.

How my husband felt when we got home,

🎬 More Life Stories on Film — click here.

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Breaking News, Life Stories on Film

After Media Pressure, HOA Drops Lien-Elderly Couple Saves Home, But Tragedy Follows

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Editor’s Update – January 2026:

In 2019, Klaas and Dorothy Tadema, a retired math teacher and former nurse in Dickinson, Texas, faced a $100,000 HOA lien over their flower beds. I reported on their case, which quickly gained national attention and ultimately forced the HOA to drop the lien.

Since then, we learned that Dorothy “Dotty” Tadema, the homeowner at the heart of this story, passed away on June 13, 2021, at age 77. She is remembered by her family and community for her faith, kindness, and service. Her obituary can be viewed here: Crowder Funeral Home obituary.

This update honors her memory and adds new context to a story that resonated with readers nationwide.

Dorothy "Dotty" Tadema smiling in a younger portrait photo

Elderly Couple HOA Lien Over Flower Beds Sparks National Outrage

Following widespread media coverage and public pressure, the HOA released the lien, allowing the couple to sell their home and move forward with their lives. But months later, tragedy struck when Dorothy passed away after ongoing health complications.

This is the full story — and the update few people know.

National Attention Forces the HOA to Back Down

Update: Despite dozens of landscapers offering to help elderly couple following a $100,000 lawsuit filed by Land Tejas over flower beds, the property developer refuses to back down.
Landscapers help Texas elderly couple after HOA place $100,000 lien over flower beds in case first reported by journalist Tammy Rose
Texas elderly homeowner Dorothy Tadema walks outside her home during HOA dispute over flower beds and $100,000 lien investigated by journalist Tammy Rose

After weathering many storms over their 52 years of marriage including losing a home during Hurricane Harvey, Klaas & Dorothy Tadema never imagined flower beds could force them to potentially lose everything again including their health. Click on link below to view full story.

How a Flower Bed Sparked a $100,000 HOA Lien

🎬 More Life Stories on Film — click here.

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Breaking News, Jodi Arias, Life Stories on Film, PCR, True Crime

Juan Martinez Disciplinary Hearing: My Story as a Key Witness

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This story is long overdue. I am speaking publicly because I was a key witness in the Juan Martinez disciplinary hearing. My decision to come forward helped expose misconduct that ultimately ended his career as a prosecutor.

How I Discovered the Misconduct

Flying in SkyEye 13!
Journalist Tammy Rose

Covering the Jodi Arias Sentencing Retrial

 I was covering the Jodi Arias case when I noticed troubling behavior by then‑prosecutor Juan Martinez. It crossed ethical lines.

One of the most disturbing revelations was the leak of Juror 17’s identity to the public. The information did not come from the court; it came from within the prosecution itself, passed via a media intermediary.

When a juror’s identity becomes public, it puts them at serious risk. In this case, that juror later received threats to their safety.

That moment marked a turning point for me. What began as reporting became a matter of public responsibility. I realized I needed to document and report what I had uncovered.

I provided investigators with records and testimony about how the leak happened, knowing it could affect my career and reputation. Still, I chose to act ethically and tell the truth.

The investigation confirmed that protected information had been improperly shared and that this conduct was part of a broader pattern of ethical violations.

Prosecutor Juan Martinez walking into court with a key witness during Jodi Arias' sentencing retrial

My Role in the Disciplinary Hearing

I gave testimony and submitted evidence detailing the leaks and unethical conduct. My goal was never to attack individuals unnecessarily, but to ensure accountability and integrity in the justice system.

I acted independently and ethically, aware that speaking out could impact my professional life. But truth and public safety were my priority.

Journalist Tammy Rose traveling to court for the Jodi Arias resentencing, connected to the Juan Martinez disciplinary hearing
Journalist Tammy Rose traveling to court for the Jodi Arias resentencing trial, connected to the Juan Martinez disciplinary hearing

What Happened After the Investigation

After reviewing the evidence, the investigation confirmed a pattern of ethical violations, including:

• Improper communications with media members

• Leaks of protected juror information

• Conduct prejudicial to justice

As a result, Juan Martinez was terminated and later disbarred. His ability to practice law was permanently revoked.

Proseuctor Juan Martinez during the Jodi Arias resentencing trial, observed by journalist Tammy Rose

Why This Story Still Matters

Prosecutors hold immense power. When that power is abused, the entire justice system is at risk. I came forward because journalists are not above the law — and neither are prosecutors.

This story reminds us that accountability matters.

More Investigative Journalism by Tammy Rose

This story is part of my work covering the justice system and holding powerful figures accountable. You can read more of my investigative reporting here.

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Aviation News, Breaking News

Addicks Reservoir Grass Fire Turns into Prescribed Burn Near Katy Freeway

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A prescribed burn following a grass fire at Addicks Reservoir sent heavy smoke across west Houston Sunday, prompting air quality concerns.

Meanwhile, Houston firefighters are asking the public to not call 911. Crews are already on scene and actively managing the situation.

Aerial and ground coverage of the controlled burn near the reservoir

What began as a fast-moving grass fire near Addicks Reservoir is now a controlled prescribed burn to reduce future fire risk in the area.

This type of prescribed burn helps eliminate years of built-up vegetation and dry brush that can fuel dangerous wildfires in the future.

According to the Houston Fire Department, the burn was conducted under controlled conditions to reduce future wildfire risk.

Aerial and ground coverage of the controlled burn near the reservoir

From the air, the scale of the operation becomes clear. Fire lines, engines, and burn patterns are visible across a wide area surrounding Addicks Reservoir. Meanwhile on the ground, heavy smoke drifts across nearby roadways.

Authorities say there is no immediate threat to nearby homes or businesses, and no evacuations have been ordered.

For more aerial coverage and breaking news footage, visit ChopperRose.com

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Aviation News, Breaking News, Life Stories on Film

Vietnam War Helicopter Pilot Kim Page: The Extraordinary Life of a Combat Aviator

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Vietnam War helicopter pilot Kim Page flew some of the most dangerous combat missions of the war. He survived multiple helicopter crashes while saving countless lives. As a senior warrant officer, Kim Page faced enemy fire, mechanical failures, and impossible odds in active war zones across Southeast Asia. His story is one of courage, resilience, and service under fire.

🎥 Watch: The Extraordinary Life of Vietnam War Helicopter Pilot Kim Page

This documentary was written, filmed, produced, and edited by me, Tammy Rose. As a longtime helicopter reporter, I have covered countless aviation stories — but Kim Page’s journey stands among the most extraordinary I have ever documented. Watch below to experience his remarkable true story of courage, survival, and service.

Young Kim Page in U.S. Army uniform before serving as a Vietnam War helicopter pilot


Watch More Stories from Life on Film

If Kim Page’s story inspired you, explore more incredible journeys captured on film. From extraordinary aviation adventures to life-changing personal stories, check out other Life on Film stories here.

When Two Worlds Collide During World War II: A Family Buried Treasure Story
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Travel

From an Electrical Fire to a Jellyfish Sting: Our Australian Cruise Adventure

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Feeding a kangaroo at an animal preserve in Cairns, Australia during our cruise stop.

Travel has a way of testing you before it rewards you. Our Princess cruise through Australia was no exception. What began with an unexpected electrical fire quickly tested our patience and plans. However, that rough start turned into an unforgettable journey filled with stunning island views, wildlife encounters, cultural experiences — and even a surprise jellyfish sting.

Stop One: Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

Whitsunday Islands Australia white sand beach and turquoise water
A stunning view from the Whitsunday Islands, Queensland.

Our first stop was the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands. The scenery here feels lifted from a postcard. Turquoise water meets powder‑white beaches, and the natural patterns of sand and sea stretch as far as the eye can see. Just looking out over this vast beauty reminded us how lucky we were to be here.  

Lookout Mountain Whitsunday Islands scenic overlook
Lookout Mountain in the Whitsunday Islands offers breathtaking panoramic views.

Lookout Mountain – Whitsundays

From Lookout Mountain, we took in sweeping vistas of the islands. It was one of those moments where you simply pause and appreciate how enormous and beautiful the world really is.

Stop Two: Cairns – Wildlife & Indigenous Culture

Koala at animal sanctuary in Cairns Australia
Visiting an animal preserve in Cairns and experiencing Aboriginal culture.

Meanwhile, Cairns offered a completely different experience from the islands. Here, we visited an animal preserve where we were able to see koalas up close along with other native Australian wildlife.

This stop also included an Aboriginal cultural show, featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Watching the performance was both moving and educational, offering a deeper understanding of Australia’s Indigenous heritage and connection to the land.

Stop Three: The Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef snorkeling coral underwater Australia
Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s natural wonders.

No Australian cruise would be complete without experiencing the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling among the coral and marine life was one of the most unforgettable moments of the entire trip.

Even with an unexpected jellyfish sting along the way, the beauty of the reef made every second worth it. Floating above vibrant coral formations was unforgettable. The clear blue water made the experience even more surreal.

Explore More Travel Adventures

If you loved this Australian cruise journey, don’t miss our other amazing trips! For more sun, sand, and unforgettable experiences, click here to read our Turks and Caicos adventure: Turks and Caicos Travel Story

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Travel

From Snorkeling Mishaps to Island Adventures: Cruising Honduras, Belize & Cozumel

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Cruising through Central America should be relaxing, but our trip quickly turned eventful during a snorkeling excursion. Between strong currents, unexpected waves, and a few clumsy moments, what started as a leisurely adventure became a story worth telling.

We explored the reefs in Honduras, Belize, and Cozumel, following safety guidelines from the Belize Tourism Board.

First Stop: Honduras

Tammy & Paul snorkeling in Honduras right Rose his her leg on some coral
Tammy & Paul on boat in Honduras
Tammy Rose riding a horse through the jungles of Honduras

Our day in Honduras began with calm waters and bright skies. I had my snorkeling gear ready, excited to explore the reefs.

However, the water quickly reminded me that even calm-looking currents can be tricky. I accidentally hit a coral outcrop with my leg, and my GoPro was totaled in the process. It was painful, but I didn’t realize how serious it could get.

When I got home, I discovered the cut had become infected with flesh-eating bacteria. I was lucky to see a doctor quickly — early treatment made all the difference. This experience taught me how a simple injury while snorkeling can turn into a dangerous situation if not treated promptly.

With guidance from our tour leaders, we navigated carefully through the rest of the reef. Despite the mishap, I still enjoyed the vibrant coral and tropical fish. It became one of those stories you’ll never forget — and one I hope others can learn from.

Next Stop: Belize

Belize offered a completely different underwater landscape. The currents were gentler, making it easier to explore

The reefs were alive with colorful fish, and coral formations stretched as far as the eye could see. At one point, a small stumble led to a bit of laughter, turning a minor mishap into a memorable moment.

Exploring Belize reminded me how each snorkeling spot has its own character. Even small challenges can add to the adventure, making the experience more vivid and unforgettable.

Overwater huts and turquoise water in Belize during Honduras Belize Cozumel cruise
Belize water huts/dock

Final Stop: Cozumel

Cozumel’s waters were pristine and inviting. With more confidence from previous stops, I navigated the reef smoothly. Turtles glided by, rays floated beneath us, and the vibrant coral stretched in every direction.

Cozumel's waters are pristine and inviting

🎥 Watch the video below to experience the adventure as it unfolded — snorkeling, sailing, and all the moments in between.

Princess Regal Cruise to Honduras, Belize & Mexico!

Even a few small bumps and minor stumbles couldn’t dampen the excitement. Every stop offered unique sights, reminding me why multi-port cruises are so rewarding — each location has its own charm, challenges, and beauty.

Explore More Travel Adventures

If you enjoyed this snorkeling story, don’t miss more unforgettable journeys. Click here to see our trip to Greece!

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Making memories that'll last a lifetime!

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