Cara McCollum, who works as a news anchor for SNJ Today, was hurt in an accident Monday evening in Pittsgrove Township.
Prayers.
That's what Cara McCollum, the former Miss New Jersey and news anchor critically injured in a South Jersey crash needs most, those closest to her are saying.
A Facebook page, Prayers for Cara, was created this week and already has more than 2,000 likes. It asks that people simply pray for the 24-year-old's recovery.
"Cara is a strong, determined young woman, but her life is in God's hands right now. We're praying for a miracle, because that's what it will take for Cara to come back to us. We're asking you to do the same," a post on the page reads.
Posted by Prayers for Cara on Thursday, February 18, 2016
"We feel your prayers -- please, please don't stop. Cara has already touched so many lives, and we believe she still has important work to do."
The accident took place on northbound Route 55 in Pittsgrove Township shortly before 7 p.m. Monday. It had been snowing lightly through most of the afternoon that day.
McCollum's 2014 Mustang slid off the road and struck trees, according to New Jersey State Police. They described the road as "icy, slushy, wet."
She was taken to Cooper University Hospital Camden where she was initially listed in critical condition.
"Cara needs your prayers NOW. She is in critical condition at a Level 1 Trauma Center in New Jersey, and the situation couldn't be more serious," a post on the Prayers for Cara page reads.
McCollum's boyfriend, Philadelphia NBC 10 news anchor Keith Jones also asked for prayers "for my sweet, beautiful girlfriend, Cara McCollum, my "Beshe". She is the light of my life, the greatest thing to ever walk into it, my everything. She brings warmth, comfort, and purpose to my life. She has given so much of herself and touched thousands of people through her selfless efforts and unending passion for charity. I'm asking that you think positively and pray for her."
McCollum was raised in the small town of Forrest City, Arkansas where she graduated as high school valedictorian.
On the Prayers for Cara page, one post noted that the Junior Auxiliary of Forrest City had planned a "Community Prayer Time in honor of Cara McCollum" on Friday evening.
She attended Princeton University and graduated in 2015 with a degree in English. It was during her time at Princeton that she won the title of Miss New Jersey 2013 and made promoting literacy a priority.
Last year McCollum joined the Millville-based SNJ Today news team as an anchorwoman.
I don't know Cara, but I felt terrible to hear of her accident. I've included her in my prayers every night and will continue to do so.
Posted by Cindy Trifelitti on Friday, February 19, 2016
New Jersey State Police said Friday there was nothing new to report on the investigation into the accident.
A spokeswoman at Cooper University Hospital said Friday that McCollum's family continues to request no information about her condition be released.
Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @TheSJTimes. Find NJ.com on Facebook.