Pro-Trump Republican Who Defeated Sanford Hit By Oncoming Car On Highway 17

A lawmaker who recently defeated incumbent South Carolina Rep. Mark Sanford in a Republican congressional primary earlier this month is recovering from serious injuries after a head-on collision with a vehicle operating in the wrong direction on U.S. Highway 17.

Charleston County Sheriff’s Office reported that Katie Arrington, newly elected South Carolina lawmaker, and a friend identified as Jacqueline Goff of Mandeville, Louisiana, were traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 17 around 9 p.m. Friday night a vehicle headed in the wrong direction struck Arrington’s vehicle head-on. According to Sheriff’s Captain Roger Antonio, the driver of the other vehicle died on the scene.

Katie Arrington, Summerville Republican underwent surgery to remove portions of her colon and her small intestines as well as having sustained a back fracture, and broken ribs. She is recovering in a local Charleston-area hospital said spokesperson for Arrington, Michael Mule. Her friend, Jacqueline Goff was also seriously injured and is recovering today.

Mule said Arrington would need several more surgeries, as well as a stent to repair the partial collapse of the primary artery in her legs which will require her to remain in the hospital for at least two weeks. Mule reported to news outlets that Arrington was alert and talking on Saturday morning.

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In a statement released to the press, Mule said “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.”

A statement was also released on the official Katie Arrington Facebook page asking for prayers and support:

Arrington’s recent win over “Never-Trumper” Sanford made national headlines as well as Arrington securing Trump’s support hours before the primary ballot. Arrington was vocal of her support of Trump throughout her campaign and used Sanford’s criticism as a cornerstone of her campaign.

“I fully endorse Katie Arrington for Congress in SC, a state I love,” tweeted Trump ahead of the primary. “She is tough on crime and will continue our fight to lower taxes. VOTE Katie!”

Trump later reportedly mocked Mark Sanford at a meeting with House Republicans: “ I want to congratulate Mark on a great race.”

This morning, the president tweeted sending his thoughts and prayers to the lawmaker as well as her friend and their families.