Lauren Scruggs Tragedy: Injured Model Now Eating, Walking on Own

Dec. 13, 2011— -- For the first time since Lauren Scruggs walked into the spinning propeller of a plane, the 23-year-old model and fashion blogger is now eating solid foods and walking the hallways of a Dallas hospital on her own in what her parents have called "a miracle"

Scruggs of Plano, Texas, accidentally walked into the propeller of a small plane after viewing Christmas lights above Dallas Dec. 3. The propeller sliced into her face and shoulder and severed her left hand.

She is now able to eat some of her favorite foods again, including sweet potatoes and hard-boiled eggs, her father said.

"It's just a miracle to see the progress that she's been making," Jeff Scruggs said. "She's got her spunk back, her personality."

Her father and friends have been posting updates on Scruggs' recovery at CaringBridge.com, and the latest blog indicates that she is now able to walk on her own. She was first able to walk down a hall last last week with the help of a physical therapist, according to her family.

The latest update on a website set up by family and friends also notes, "Lauren's pain is much more manageable today!"

Although she is more alert and talking now, doctors at Dallas' Parkland Hospital remain concerned she might still lose her left eye, but are pleased with the healing of her facial nerves.

"She's smiling, her face, you know she's able to raise both eyebrows," Jeff Scruggs said. "That doesn't sound like a big deal, but they were worried about the nerve, on one side, and she's able to do that, so we're so grateful and thankful for all of that."

"Lo," as her family and friends affectionately call her, had just landed with a girlfriend after viewing Christmas lights from above in a small prop plane piloted by a family friend. The young communications graduate, who had started a fashion website called Lolo and had also worked in the wardrobe department of the TV show "Gossip Girl," was thought to have turned to say a final goodbye to the pilot when the accident occurred.

Although she still has a long way to go, Scruggs is now taking her own steps down the road to recovery. Her family has set up the Lauren Scruggs Hope Fund. Click here for more information on how to help Lauren Scruggs.