One UT student continues on her way to recovery after a lengthy stay in the hospital from injuries she sustained when she was struck by a hit-and-run driver early on Saturday, Jan. 24.
Kelley Havens, a sophomore nursing major from Granville, Ohio was released from Tampa General Hospital last Tuesday, Feb. 3 after being there for 10 days and undergoing three major surgeries.
On her way back from a fun night with friends at a downtown pub listening to live music, Havens recalled a large impact and the next thing she knew, she was on the ground.
Tampa Fire Rescue and the Tampa Police Department responded to the scene and transported Havens to the hospital.’
There she underwent three surgeries that helped repair her shattered knee and fractured tibia.
In the first surgery, pins were placed in her legs to stabilize the injury. The second set the leg. The third and final surgery installed plates and screws.
Currently, she is undergoing intense physical therapy but was on campus picking up some items from her room.
‘I’m hanging in there,’ Havens said. ‘I can’t wait to get back.’
Due to her extensive injuries, Havens said that she had to withdraw for the semester and hopes to return for the fall semester.
Havens thanked all of her friends for being with her throughout her recovery.
‘I want to say Hi and thanks for watching out for me and making sure that everything was okay,’
She also wanted to thank visitors that came to the hospital, the cards and for everyone that was thinking about her.
TPD has still not found the hit-and-run driver and is still investigating the incident and asks that if anyone has any information to please contact them at 813-276-3200.
Charlie Hambos can be reached at charlie.hambos@gmail.com
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