A missionary from Nephi is fighting for her life after being struck by a driver in a crosswalk in Johnson City, Tennessee, this week, leaving her with severe brain, facial and hip injuries. Addison Worwood, who has served about one year of her 18-month mission for the Tennessee Knoxville Mission, remains in critical condition on a ventilator following multiple brain surgeries.
Worwood was critically injured on Tuesday morning while walking with her missionary companion, according to her aunt, Kelly Gribbin, who spoke with KUTV. Per the family's account, Worwood was struck by a driver as she and her companion were crossing in a crosswalk, and the driver did not see them.
Emergency Surgery to Relieve Brain Pressure
Worwood underwent multiple brain surgeries to relieve pressure and stop a brain bleed, the station's report states. Surgeons removed a portion of her skull on one side to allow her brain room to swell, while another repaired section was secured with a titanium plate to help prevent further bleeding.
She also suffered fractures to her face and hip, and plastic surgeons repaired lacerations to her nose and face during one of the brain surgeries, per the same account. Doctors have since reduced her sedation and she is receiving pain medication as her body continues to heal.
Small Signs of Movement, but No Commands Yet
According to Worwood's mother, she can move her arms and legs but is not yet following commands. Medical staff are closely monitoring her blood pressure and heart rate, with the next 24 to 48 hours described as critical for her recovery.
Worwood is expected to remain in the surgical intensive care unit until she can breathe on her own and continue to recover. Gribbin shared the medical update from Worwood's mother, who said she remains hopeful that her daughter will continue to improve.
Family Rushes to Tennessee, Community Rallies
Worwood's parents arrived in Tennessee on Wednesday afternoon and are now at their daughter's side. The family, who own the Bow Shop and 7 Woods Outdoors in Nephi according to Gribbin, said they have received an outpouring of prayers, fasting and support from their community as they wait for further updates on Addison's condition, as reported by KUTV.
Federal transportation officials have noted that certain crosswalk safety upgrades, such as high-visibility markings and intersection lighting, are associated with fewer pedestrian injury crashes nationally, according to the Federal Highway Administration. It remains unclear what conditions were present at the Johnson City crosswalk where Worwood was hit, and no further details about the driver or any investigation have been released.
