Ambassador Kmiec expected to recover from car accident injuries

Sep 1, 2010 / 00:54 am

A Catholic priest and Ambassador Doug Kmiec are still being treated for their injuries suffered in an Aug. 25 car accident. The priest, 94, is in critical condition, while Kmiec has undergone surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.

Doctors at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center have treated Msgr. John Sheridan, the 94-year-old pastor emeritus of Our Lady of Malibu Church, for several broken ribs and are observing him for signs of infection or pneumonia, Archbishop of Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony reported.

Kmiec, 58, also underwent surgery at Ronald Reagan UCLA and should be released within a week, a Pepperdine University spokesman said according to the Malibu Times. His wife Carol has visited him daily.

A Pepperdine University law professor, Kmiec is currently serving as U.S. ambassador to Malta.

Sr. Mary Campbell, who had been a teacher and a principal at Our Lady of Malibu, died at the scene of the accident. She was 74. Her memorial Mass will take place at the church on Wednesday.

The parish is also organizing a blood drive at the church on Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Parish manager Peggy Thomas said the three were returning from a 60th anniversary celebration at Louisville High School in Woodland Hills, California.

“We can use everyone's prayers,” she said, according to The Malibu Times.

Pepperdine President Andrew K. Benton issued a statement on the accident, saying “Our prayers go out to the family of Sister Mary Campbell, the students of Our Lady of Malibu School and the entire Our Lady of Malibu community.

“Sister Mary taught many sons and daughters of Pepperdine staff and faculty over the years and was much loved. Her devotion to her students, her strong faith and compassion will long be remembered. This tragedy has touched the Pepperdine community deeply.

“We continue to pray for the full recovery of Pastor Emeritus Monsignor John Sheridan and Professor Kmiec.”

California Highway Patrol Officer Leland Tang said Ambassador Kmiec was driving westbound on Mulholland Highway when his 2009 Hyundai Accent crashed into a drainage ditch after veering off the road.

Tang reported that the cause of Kmiec losing control of the vehicle is unknown. Authorities have said dashboard control adjustment may have been a factor in the accident.