Model Lauren Scruggs, 23, Walks into Plane Propeller, Loses Hand

Fashion model and online blogger Lauren Scruggs lost her hand and suffered severe injuries to her face and shoulder after she accidentally walked into a spinning airplane propeller late Saturday.

Scruggs was returning from a flight to watch Christmas lights across the state when she climbed out of the two-seater plane at Aero County Airport in McKinney, Texas.

The 23-year old was immediately taken by Careflight helicopter to Parkland Hospital.

Following multiple surgeries, Scruggs' face and shoulder have been reconstructed, but surgeons were forced to amputate her hand. Although she is in stable condition, her left eye and part of her brain remain in uncertain condition.

Updates posted by a family statement on Caring Bridge indicate that she has responded well to voice commands and seems capable of moving her arms and legs. She had further surgery on her hand Monday to avoid infection.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident, but the pilot, Kurt Richmond of Frisco, was not injured said the Collin County Sheriff's Office.

Aviation Enthusiast Steve Blackman told FOX 4 News that Scruggs is lucky to be alive.

These [propellers] aren't going to break if they hit you, Blackman told FOX 4 News. It most likely is going to kill you if you get too close... If the engine is running at speed it will suck you into it, just like a jet engine will suck you into it.

Scruggs is the Editor-in-Chief for an online fashion magazine, Lolo Magazine. She has worked as a part-time model and in the wardrobe department of the CW television Show, Gossip Girl. She recently interviewed Twilight star Kellan Lutz for New York Fashion Week.

Federal Aviation Administration

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