Major health update on tourist, 22, whose legs were torn off by boat propeller
Hannah Smith, 22, remains in hospital with her devastated family by her side as she continues to recover from a tragic accident in the Bahamas which saw her lose both her legs
A university graduate who was sucked into a boat 's propeller and had both her legs torn off has undergone more than a dozen surgeries, her heartbroken sister has revealed.
Hannah Smith, 22, was on a dream trip to the Bahamas last month as she celebrated graduating with top honours for her arts degree at Miles College, Alabama when tragedy struck. According to the young woman's family, Hannah fell from the side of a pontoon boat as it was docking and was suddenly dragged beneath the water by its propeller, leaving her with catastrophic injuries and partially severed legs.
Two female passengers managed to grab her arm and pull her back on board and she was airlifted to the US for surgery. The family set up a GoFundMe page to cover the mounting medical bills and in the latest update, Rachel Smith revealed her sister is still "fighting".
"Your continued prayers and support are very much needed and appreciated," the update reads. "Hannah has undergone her 13th surgery with more to come. This journey is taking a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual toll. Please keep her lifted in your thoughts and prayers. She is fighting!!! Thank you for all the love and support."
Hannah's parents Tracy and Marvin Smith, as well as sister Rachel, have travelled from their home in Tennessee to be by her bedside in a Miami hospital. In another update, Rachel said her sister is "progressing slowly".
"Hannah underwent her sixth surgery Monday May 20, 2025. This was one of her less extensive procedures," it read. "Doctors more so used this time for debridement, examination, and determining a plan of action. She is progressing slowly but surely day by day. Her strength and ability to overcome every obstacle in her journey is beautiful!"
Another update, posted on May 17, reads: "Hannah suffered a few setbacks. She had to undergo additional transfusions of blood, platelets, and dialysis. Before she was taken into her scheduled surgery, she momentarily came out of her sedation. She was able to acknowledge our presence and encouraging words with head nods and squeezing our hands. She has underwent her fifth surgery. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers."
Just a week after the tragedy, Hannah's devastated parents told the Mirror their daughter was a Crossfit-loving athlete who was a keen cheerleader, footballer and track runner. "She's still in intensive care, but she's conscious when she's not in surgery," Marvin told the Mirror. "She definitely knows we're there supporting her. It means the world to her, she was so happy when she regained consciousness that we were all here."
"We're trying to keep her spirits up," added emotional mum Tracy. "She's in a lot of pain. We're trying to practise techniques to distract her from it. Encourage her and just try to keep her pushing forward."
The Royal Bahamas Police said an investigation into the freak accident was ongoing, adding in a statement: "The victim is alleged to have entered the water from a vessel she was a passenger on while it was attempting to dock. She sustained serious injuries to her lower body, caused by the vessel's propeller."
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