CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) -
GOP Congressional Candidate Katie Arrington is recovering from additional surgeries on Sunday following a fatal crash that critically injured Arrington and another woman.
Arrington underwent surgery at MUSC on Saturday morning and two additional surgeries on Sunday, according to her campaign manager Michael Mulé said.
Mulé said the second surgery was to complement the initial surgery performed on Friday night and that the third was for a spinal fracture.
"Katie may require one more minimal procedure, but that is not certain at this time," he said. "It is still expected that Katie will remain in the hospital for the next two weeks and will make a full recovery."
On June 22, Katie Arrington and her friend, Jacqueline Goff, were headed south along Highway 17 when their vehicle was struck by a vehicle driving in the wrong direction in the same lane, Charleston County Sheriff's Capt. Roger Antonio said.
The other vehicle was driven by 69-year-old Helen White of Ravenell. White died in the crash, according to Charleston County Deputy Coroner Bobby Jo O'Neal.
Goff is reportedly in critical but stable condition.
On Saturday morning, this statement was posted to Arrington's campaign Facebook page detailing her injuries:
"Last night, Katie Arrington and her friend were traveling to Hilton Head, where Katie was scheduled to receive an award from a state medical organization this morning. Katie was the passenger in the car traveling southbound on Highway 17, when a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction - northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 17 - struck the vehicle containing Katie and her friend.
Katie sustained a fracture in her back and several broken ribs, as well as injuries that required Katie to undergo major surgery including the removal of a portion of her small intestine and a portion of her colon. Additionally, the main artery in her legs has a partial collapse and will require a stint. Additional surgeries will be required including one likely today; and it is likely that Katie will remain hospitalized for the next two weeks.
As we all know, Katie Arrington is an extremely strong woman and has tremendous faith and an incredibly supportive family. And it is from her strong faith, the support of her family, the prayers and support of our community, and the incredible doctors and staff at the hospital that she is certain she will be back to work for our state soon.
As her family asked last night, Katie asks for your continued prayers for the deceased and the deceased's family, as well as prayers for a quick recovery for Katie and her friend."
The crash happened at 9 p.m. on Highway 17 southbound near the 7400 block in Adams Run.
CharlestonCoSheriff✔@ChasCoSheriff2 car collision occurred around 9:00 pm on Hwy 17S near 7400 block in Adams Run. 1 person died, 2 people transported serious condition. Hwy 17 southbound is shut down and traffic is being detoured down New Rd. #chstrfc #chsnews
9:53 PM - Jun 22, 2018
Arrington defeated Representative Mark Sanford in the Republican Primary for South Carolina's District One Congressional seat.
"Our thoughts and prayers this morning go to Katie Arrington, her family and those involved in last night’s automobile accident," Sanford said in a statement.
Early Saturday morning, her Democratic opponent, Joe Cunningham, tweeted her was just hearing about the accident:
Joe Cunningham@JoeCunninghamSCJust hearing about the terrible accident that occurred overnight involving Katie Arrington. Amanda and I are lifting her and her family up in prayer right now. Please join us.
6:02 AM - Jun 23, 2018
Cunningham said he was suspending all campaign activities until further notice.
President Donald Trump tweeted well wishes to Arrington Saturday.
Donald J. Trump✔@realDonaldTrumpMy thoughts and prayers are with Representative Katie Arrington of South Carolina, including all of those involved in last nights car accident, and their families.
Rep. Katie Arrington@karringtonscReplying to @karringtonscAnd it is from her strong faith, the support of her family, the prayers and support of our community, and the incredible doctors and staff at the hospital that she is certain she will be back to work for our state soon.
10:53 AM - Jun 23, 2018
"My thoughts and prayers are with Rep. Katie Arrington of South Carolina, including all of those involved in last night's car accident, and their families," the president tweeted.
Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement Saturday that he had spoken to Katie's husband, Rob.
"We are shocked by the news of her accident and urge all South Carolinians to keep her in their prayers," McMaster said. "She is a strong, determined woman. We need her, and she will pull through. We also ask that you pray for Rep. Arrington’s friend, Jacqueline Goff, who is recovering from serious injuries, and for the family of the other driver, who tragically passed away."
Arrington and Cunningham will face each other on the November ballot.
The Charleston County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.
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