A 17-year-old local high school senior has sustained severe injuries following a sledding accident that occurred last Sunday in Bethpage, Tennessee. The incident, which has left the teenager with a broken spinal cord, has sparked an outpouring of support from the Westmoreland community.
The victim, Mary Atkins, was enjoying an afternoon of sledding with friends when the accident took place. Reports indicate that she was riding on a bed liner when she struck a fence post, resulting in her losing consciousness immediately. Emergency responders were alerted, and within 20 minutes, she was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for urgent medical attention.
Mary underwent emergency surgery after doctors discovered she had broken the C5 vertebra in her neck. Her prognosis remains uncertain, as spinal cord injuries can vary greatly in terms of recovery and long-term effects. However, in a glimmer of hope, Mary has reportedly begun to regain some sensation in her arms and legs and can lift her arms, which are considered positive signs of progress.
Source: Website