U.S. House candidate Katie Arrington who beat Rep. Mark Sanford seriously hurt in car crash

Katie Arrington, the South Carolina lawmaker who defeated Rep. Mark Sanford in a GOP primary race, was seriously injured in an automobile crash Friday on a South Carolina highway.

Arrington, a state representative, has undergone surgery for her injuries and was recovering Saturday in a Charleston-area hospital, according to her spokesman Michael Mule. He said Arrington was alert and talking Saturday morning.

Arrington, 47, suffered a fracture in her back and several broken ribs, according to a posting to her Facebook page. in addition, the main artery in her legs partially collapsed and will require a stint.

She and a friend were driving to Hilton Head to receive an award Saturday from a state medical organization when she was struck by a vehicle heading in the wrong direction on Highway 17, according to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver of the other car was killed in the crash, according to Sheriff’s Capt. Roger Antonio.

"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 on her Facebook said.

Sanford posted a link to a story about the wreck on Twitter, adding in a post: “Our thoughts and prayers this morning go to Katie Arrington, her family and those involved in last night’s automobile accident.”

In a message posted to Twitter on Saturday, Democratic nominee Joe Cunningham said that he was suspending his campaign until further notice.

President Trump also tweeted that his thoughts and prayers were with Arrington along with those involved in the accident and their families.

Contributing: Associated Press

WSBTV