A Kansas State University student has miraculously survived a 70-foot fall from an overpass after trying to avoid being struck by a truck.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Kyra Kinnison, 21, is a junior animal science student who found herself in the path of an oncoming vehicle. As she jumped backward to avoid being hit, she accidentally fell from the bridge.
The frightening incident occurred on Highway 18 in Kansas on the Friday night of September 25.
University Student Survives 70-Foot Bridge Fall
Local reports state that Kinnison and her boyfriend, Dalten Grabast, were driving in separate vehicles toward Salina.
As they approached Ogden, a large pallet of insulation reportedly fell from a truck, forcing Grabast to swerve to avoid it before coming to a stop.
Kinnison also pulled over and got out of her vehicle. However, another approaching vehicle crashed. This left the student in danger of being struck by an oncoming truck traveling along the highway.
She jumped backward to avoid the vehicle and fell approximately 70 feet from the bridge. She also struck a tree on the way down.
The fall left Kinnison with fractures to her back, pelvis and tailbone.
The Riley County Fire Department rushed to her aid before she was transported by ambulance to Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.
She was later transferred to Stormont Vail Health Hospital in Topeka.
Kyra Kinnison "Smiling and Fighting" During Recovery
Despite suffering critical injuries, one of Kinnison's friends said she was relieved when she visited her in hospital and found her lucid and improving.
"She's always been a very brave person," the friend said. "I've always known her to be very smart, and I think she cares about her people a lot, and I really admire that about her."
Kinnison's university friend, Sara Celeen, has since created a GoFundMe to support her recovery.
In just six days, the fundraiser has collected nearly $12,000 toward its $13,000 goal.
An update posted on Wednesday revealed that Kinnison is due to undergo hip realignment surgery, which was postponed until Friday.
"She wants everyone to know that she is smiling and fighting to get better!," the update reads. "Thank you to everyone who has donated to support her, shared her story, and cheered her on!"
The update added that Kinnison is able to talk and walk short distances following the accident as she continues on the road to recovery.
