Maddie Aldridge, the eight-year-old niece of Britney Spears, has regained consciousness after being involved in a traumatic ATV accident on the family property earlier this week.
“With her father, mother and stepfather by her side, Maddie regained consciousness mid-day Tuesday, February 7,” read a statement provided by a representative for the Spears family.
“The 8-year-old daughter of entertained Jamie Lynn Spears was involved in an ATV accident at a family home Sunday in Kentwood, La. Paramedics resuscitated her and she was airlifted to a local hospital.
“She is aware of her surroundings and recognises those family members who have kept a round-the-clock vigil since the accident.”
The statement continues: “Doctors were able to remove the ventilator today and she is awake and talking. Maddie continues to receive oxygen and is being monitored closely but it appears that she has not suffered any neurological consequences from the accident.”
According to the police report of the incident, Maddie had been driving an ATV on her parents’ property when she took a hard right to avoid a drainage ditch, entering the pond.
Jamie Lynn and her husband, Maddie’s stepfather Jamie Watson, were watching at the time and were about 100 yards from Maddie when the accident happened.
“The ATV and child were instantly submerged in the water right before their eyes,” the report reads.
“Within seconds the child’s mother, stepfather and other family members reached the pond, dove in and attempted to rescue the child to no avail. The child was trapped and secured by the seatbelt and the ATV’s safety netting. Within two minutes, Acadian Ambulance Services arrived and assisted in freeing the child from the cold waters.”
Shortly after the horrific accident, Britney took to Twitter to break her silence: “Need all the wishes and prayers for my niece,” she wrote alongside a photo of little Maddie.
