A TikTok influencer who was severely injured after a hit-and-run accident that killed her roommate two months ago has beaten incredible odds and is mouthing words for the first time since the horrific crash.
Texas Tech grad Camryn Herriage, 23, had been left on a ventilator since Feb. 11 after a car she was in with her roommate and some pals was hit by a pickup truck as they waited at a light.
The pickup’s driver, 27-year-old Carmen Guerrero, was arrested and accused of driving 70 mph in a 35-mph zone while drunk.
Despite the severe injuries, Herriage has beaten the 2% chance of survival doctors gave her and is making an incredible recovery, her family said.
Herriage’s father, Tim, posted a Facebook update Sunday about her miraculous progress – including talking for the first time.
“Today, I spent time with Camryn, and I’m pleased to report that she’s doing well,” Herriage’s father, Tim, said Sunday of his daughter’s miraculous progress, which includes her talking for the first time.
“Her eyes track movements, and she enjoys watching friends and Disney movies, showing signs of engagement with her surroundings,” he wrote.
“Notably, she was able to grab a ball, hold it, and drop it on command multiple times, demonstrating progress in her physical abilities,” Tim continued.
“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,” the dad wrote.
But he noted that his daughter “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,” Tim wrote, adding that “we’re not out of the woods yet.”
The dad said his family hopes Herriage will completely regain her speech.
“Your love and support have been invaluable throughout this challenging time, and we’re grateful for every gesture of kindness and encouragement,” he added.
Herriage’s mom, Shirley Campanello, previously described how the famiy prepared for the worst when she watched her daughter being taken to surgery.
“He said it would last six hours,” she told Fox 4 News about one of the doctors. “He was out in an hour and half and when he came out, I knew she was gone. I just knew it because he was out so fast, but it was good. It was good news, not bad.”
She added: “It’s just amazing how God has worked through all of this.”
A witness has alleged that Guerrero fled the scene after hitting the car and appeared “extremely intoxicated” while “wearing a small black dress and white clubbing shoes.”
Police located her wallet in the back of the abandoned truck and arrested her 11 days after the crash.
Herriage works at the social media management and branding company Wundertre in Lubbock, Texas, according to her LinkedIn account.
Herriage’s roommate, Sara House, 22, was killed in the crash while several of their friends were injured.
House was often featured in videos on Herriage’s TikTok page, which has amassed over 32,000 followers.
A GoFundMe page set up for the roommate called her a “bright spirit” with “infectious laughter” who “brought light into every room she entered.”
Guerrero faces multiple charges, including manslaughter, a collision involving death, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She is currently being held at the Dallas County jail.
If found guilty, she faces up to 50 years behind bars.
