Katie Arrington, the GOP nominee for South Carolina’s first congressional district, was seriously injured in a fatal car crash in Charleston County on Friday evening.
According to Charleston County sheriff’s deputies, the first-term state representative from Berkeley County was the passenger in a car struck by a vehicle traveling the wrong way on Highway 17 in Adams Run, S.C. – a town located about ten miles southwest of Charleston.
The driver of the other vehicle died.
2 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
— Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (@ChasCoSheriff) June 23, 2018
Arrington and Jacquelin Goff – the woman driving the car in which she was traveling – were both seriously injured and transported to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).
Arrington was traveling to Hilton Head Island to receive an award at the time of the crash, according to her spokesman Michael Mulé.
“She’s out of surgery and is recovering,” Mule told reporters early Saturday. “Katie’s family ask that everyone please keep the deceased and her family in their prayers, as well as prayers for a speedy recovery for Katie and her friend.”
Arrington’s husband, Rob Arrington, was by her side in the hospital.
Preliminary reports indicate Arrington suffered a fracture in her back, several broken ribs and multiple internal injuries that will require additional surgeries over the next few days. The main artery in her one of her legs also suffered a partial collapse and will require a stint.
She is expected to be hospitalized for several weeks.
“She is certain she will be back to work for our state soon,” Arrington’s campaign tweeted in a series of messages to supporters. “Katie Arrington is an extremely strong woman and has tremendous faith and an incredibly supportive family.”
The crash is currently being investigated by the traffic unit of the Charleston County sheriff’s office.
[timed-content-server show=’2018-Jan-17 00:00:00′ hide=’2018-Jul-31 00:00:00′]SPONSORED CONTENT
[/timed-content-server]Arrington, 47, defeated U.S. congressman Mark Sanford in last week’s “Republican” runoff for the first district and is scheduled to face Democrat Joe Cunningham in the general election in November.
Cunningham – who had recently launched his first negative attack ad against Arrington – announced early Saturday that he was “suspending all campaign activities.”
Cunningham said he and his wife, Amanda Cunningham, were “lifting (Arrington) and her family up in prayer right now. Please join us.”
We will …
Our prayers go out to Arrington and her friends and family … as well as Goff’s friends and family and friends and family members of the woman who died.
Stay tuned for updates …
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