Lauren Scruggs, a fashion model from Plano, Dallas, had her hand sliced off and suffered severe facial injuries after accidentally walking into a spinning airplane propeller.
Lauren Scruggs, 23, sustained horrific wounds to her head and shoulder but is now in a stable condition after undergoing emergency treatment where surgeons were forced to amputate her left hand.
The fashion model, who writes a fashion blog, was injured as she climbed out of a two-seater plane at Aero County Airport in McKinney, Texas, after a flight to see Christmas lights across the state.
Lauren Scruggs was taken to the Parkland Memorial Hospital where her family gathered at her bedside.
Family friend Janee Harrell said: “Speaking for the entire Scruggs family, your prayers are greatly appreciated and felt every moment.
“Many of you know, our beautiful Lauren was in an accident. After exiting a propeller plane, an accident occurred where she walked into the front of the prop.
“Struck on the left side of her body, Lauren’s hand, head, and shoulder area were hit.
“Following multiple surgeries, Lauren has received facial and shoulder reconstruction, as well as the loss of her hand.
“We are currently praying for healing on the left eye and brain. She is in a stable condition with ongoing surgery. Keep praying!”
In a later blog post, Janee Harrell wrote that Lauren Scruggs was “currently resting peacefully in ICU”.
Janee Harrell added: “Earlier in the night, there was a victory. With her eyes closed, Jeff [her father] asked Lauren to respond by squeezing his hand, moments later that is exactly what she did! Praise the Lord.
“Tomorrow, Lauren will be heading back into surgery so that the doctors can finish up the work on her left hand area. Pray that the surgery goes flawlessly, as well as there will be no infections.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident.
A FAA spokesman said in a statement: “According to our preliminary information, the woman was a passenger in a 2011 Aviat Husky.
“She had just exited the aircraft when she walked into the propeller around 9.30 pm on Saturday at Aero Country Airport. We are still investigating and will interview the pilot and any other witnesses.”
The identity of the pilot would not be revealed while the FAA investigation was ongoing but he was believed not to have been injured.
The plane is believed that have been fairly new and the pilot was in the process of changing passengers when the accident happened.
Lauren Scruggs is a part-time model and has also worked in the wardrobe department of the TV show Gossip Girl. She is also an editor an online fashion magazine Lolo.com and recently interviewed Twilight star Kellan Lutz at New York Fashion Week.
