Lauren Scruggs Out for First Time Since Plane Propeller Accident

Out in public: Lauren Scruggs was pictured with her parents leaving a hospital in Dallas on Tuesday


Brave model and fashion blogger Lauren Scruggs has appeared in public for the first time since losing her left hand and eye in horrific propeller accident.

Lauren was spotted leaving a hospital inDallas, where she has been recovering since the accident, with her parents on Tuesday. These were the first photos of her in public since she the horrific accident on December 3 in which she lost her left hand and left eye after she walked into a spinning plane propeller.

In addition to losing her hand and eye, Lauren suffered from brain injuries and scaring to half of her face. Doctors removed her left eye on December 15 and since then she has been in intensive therapy to relearn how to walk, talk, use a stationary bike and even dress herself.

She is said to be doing well in rehab and she looked happy and smiling as she faced the camera again.

Lauren was understandably a little shy, with her cap pulled down over her face, partially covering her bandaged left eye and she walked rigidly upright wearing stylish sneakers, pedal-pushers and a blue halterneck top.

Lauren’s public appearance comes after it was revealed that the pilot of the plane which injured her tried to warn her to avoid the propeller.

Curt Richmond, who is believed to be a friend of Lauren’s, revealed to air safety officials that he put his arm up and yelled at the 23-year-old model to try to warn her not to walk in front of the plane on December 3 atAeroCountyAirportinMcKinney,Texas. He said the plane’s engine was still running and he told the young woman to walk behind the plane where it was safe.

When he thought she had obeyed his advice, he lowered his arm and turned away. But moments later, he heard someone on the ground screamed “Stop! Stop!” and saw Lauren laying on the tarmac. He immediately cut the engine.

Investigators say Lauren walked into the spinning propeller blades on the front of the plane after a 30-minute plane ride to look at Christmas lights from the sky. Curt had left the engine running while new passengers filed into the small plane as he prepared another trip.

The NTSB did not find fault with the pilot for the accident but at least one aviation expert said Mr Richmond is ultimately responsible, because he did not shut down the engine.