Aspiring fashion designer Caroline Christine (aka LHHS 2010 grad Caroline Wilder) in a photo by LHHS grad Alison Bushor.

Lake Highlands High School grad Caroline Wilder should be studying for college exams this week, but she’s distracted and worried about her friend, Lauren Scruggs. Lauren is the young woman from Plano who walked into the propeller of a small plane Saturday night after a trip to see Christmas lights from the air.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

Caroline and Lauren became friends at Prestonwood Baptist Church, staying in touch after Caroline headed off to Oklahoma State University to study apparel design and production. Lauren, editor of the online fashion magazine Lolo, even featured Caroline’s fashion blog “Death of Chivalry” on her website and had high praise for her work (look for her designs under the name Caroline Christine).

Lauren’s parents, Jeff and Cheryl, say – in typical Lauren style – she went back to thank the pilot, not realizing that the prop was still spinning and dangerous. She’s lost one hand and has extensive damage to her face, but doctors are hoping she won’t lose an eye. An info site at Caringbridge.org has been set up to follow her recovery.

If you feel a desire to contribute to Lauren’s medical bills, you can donate online via her magazine’s website here.