A Fort Smith woman who was seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident on Rogers Avenue is recovering from surgery, according to a family member.
Brittany Redding, 21, suffered a broken pelvis, ruptured spleen, collapsed lung and bleeding on the brain, according to a crash report. She was initially taken to Mercy Hospital and later taken to UAMS in Little Rock for further treatment and surgeries.
On Friday, Redding was listed in critical condition after undergoing surgery to try to stop internal bleeding and remove clots, according to her mother.
The report states Redding was pulling out of Hooters when her 2005 Pontiac Sunfire was struck on the driver’s side by a 1996 Ford Mustang driven by Christopher Shelton on Wednesday (June 19).
Shelton, 25, was traveling west on Rogers. He told police he saw Redding’s vehicle pull out of the business as he crested the hill and attempted to change lanes and hit the brakes, but he was unable to stop. Witnesses told police the Mustang was speeding.
The impact was so severe both vehicles spun around and were heavily damaged, according to the report. Shelton was taken to Mercy for neck and head pain. He was cited for careless driving, according to police.
The report states Redding was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and was cited, as well.
Friends say Redding worked as a waitress at Hooters.
A group page set up on Facebook includes updates on her condition by friends and family members. According to posts on the page, Redding suffered a lot of internal bleeding which is keeping doctors from going through with certain procedures.
An account to help with medical and traveling expenses has been set up for Redding and her family. Donations can be made to the Brittany Redding Contribution Fund at any Arvest bank location. A PO box has also been set up for those who would like to mail donations: PO Box 6345, Van Buren, AR 72956
