Photo: @camherriage on Instagram
Camryn Herriage, a popular TikTok user reported to be fighting for her life after a deadly hit-and-run crash caused by an "extremely intoxicated" driver, has beaten the odds, mouthing words for the first time since the crash that left her on a ventilator, her uncle, Tim, revealed in an update shared on his Facebook account Sunday (April 14) night.
"Today, I spent time with Camryn, and I'm pleased to report that she's doing well," Tim Herriage wrote of his niece, who was previously given a 2% chance of survival by doctors. "Her eyes track movements, and she enjoys watching friends and Disney movies, showing signs of engagement with her surroundings. Notably, she was able to grab a ball, hold it, and drop it on command multiple times, demonstrating progress in her physical abilities.
"Camryn is actively retraining herself physically, showing determination and resilience in her recovery journey. Mentally and cognitively aware, she mouths words like "hi" and demonstrates conscious control of her bodily functions. Despite her progress, she continues to experience pain from her injuries.
"We understand that Camryn's recovery will require ongoing physical, speech, and other therapies. While we recognize that there's still a long road ahead, we remain hopeful for her continued improvement. Your love and support have been invaluable throughout this challenging time, and we're grateful for every gesture of kindness and encouragement.
"Though we're not yet out of the woods, we hold onto hope that Camryn will regain her ability to speak in the coming weeks. Thank you for standing by us on this journey of healing and recovery."
Tim previously revealed that Camryn, 23, who had been on a ventilator since February 11, was breathing on her own in an update shared on his Facebook account on April 7.
"Great news – Camryn has been breathing on her own for over 24 hours! A speech therapist will visit soon to assess her ability to use voice control," he wrote. "This step could potentially lead to her trying to speak, and if successful, they might plug the tracheostomy.
"Additionally, there’s a hopeful outlook for Camryn to transition into a regular room within the next week or so.
"All of these developments are positive signs of Camryn's progress. Thank you for your continued support as we embrace this good news."
Camryn, a recent Texas Tech graduate, was traveling with her roommate, Sara House, and several other friends when they were struck from behind by a Ford pickup truck while waiting at a stoplight on February 11, FOX 4 Dallas reports. The crash, which occurred two blocks away from Herriage's apartment, caused a pile-up.
House was pronounced dead at the scene while Herriage and the other people inside the vehicle were rushed to a nearby hospital. The 23-year-old remains in the intensive care unit after undergoing multiple surgeries.
“When she came out of her first surgery, the surgeon told us he told us he never saw anyone make it to the hospital with her injury,” said Herriage's older sister, Casie Campanello, via FOX 4 Dallas. “So she has a purpose.”
Carmen Guerrero, 27, was arrested after initially fleeing the scene of the crash. Guerrero, who faces multiple charges including manslaughter and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, is accused of driving 70 MPH in a 35 MPH zone, according to a Fort Worth Police Department arrest affidavit.
Witnesses at the scene called 911 and reported that a woman described as "wearing a small black dress and white clubbing shoes" was seen getting out of the truck and appeared to be "extremely intoxicated" as she abandoned the truck and attempted to flee the scene, according to the arrest warrant affidavit. Guerrero's wallet was reportedly located by detectives inside the abandoned Ford truck and she was detained in February.