S.C. congressional candidate seriously hurt in car crash

June 23 (UPI) — Katie Arrington, a Republican candidate in a South Carolina congressional district, was in serious condition after a car crash late Friday.

Arrington, who defeated incumbent Mark Sanford in the primary on June 12, underwent surgery after sustaining a fracture in her back and several broken bones, according to a Vote Katie Arrington Facebook post. A part of her small intestine was removed and the main artery in her legs will require a stent because of a partial collapse.

Arrington will remain in the hospital for at least two weeks, the posting said.

“As we all know, Katie Arrington is an extremely strong woman and has tremendous faith and an incredibly supportive family,” the message said. “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.”

Arrington, 47, is alert at Medical University of South Carolina hospital, her spokesperson Michael Mule said in a CNN report on Saturday.

Arrington was riding in a car heading toward Hilton Head Island when it was struck by another car driving in the opposite direction, northbound in the southbound lane, around 9 p.m. in southern Charleston County, the Post & Courier reported.

The unidentified driver in the other car died. The driver of Arrington’s car, identified as a friend, Jacqueline Goff, 59, from Mandeville, La., was listed in serious condition but her injuries were considered not as serious.

She was set to receive an award Saturday morning from a state medical organization, Mule said.

“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,” according to a message on her Twitter account.

Arrington, a state representative from Summerville, was endorsed by President Donald Trump.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Representative Katie Arrington of South Carolina, including all of those involved in last nights car accident, and their families,” Trump posted on Twitter.

Joe Cunningham, who is Arrington’s Democratic opponent in November, suspended all campaign activities until further notice.

“Amanda [his wife] and I are lifting her and her family up in prayer right now. Please join us,” he said on Twitter.

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