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December 1, 2004Cherry Queen seriously injured in crashBoth of her legs, one arm are brokenByRecord-Eagle staff writer TRAVERSE CITY - The reigning queen of the National Cherry Festival is in serious condition at a Flint hospital after she crashed her sport utility vehicle while returning to college in Ann Arbor. Margaret "Maggie" Schneider, 21, was traveling east on U.S. 10 near Midland just before 9:30 a.m. Monday when she lost control of her 2000 GMC Jimmy and entered the median before rolling over several times, said Midland County Sheriff's Capt. Brad Hobbs. Festival Executive Director Thomas Kern said Schneider was traveling back to the University of Michigan after spending the Thanksgiving holiday in Traverse City with her family. Kern said Schneider was hospitalized at the MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland before being airlifted to Hurley Hospital in Flint, where she is in the intensive care unit. "From what we know, she is in stable condition but has multiple broken bones, including both legs and an arm," he said. "She has undergone some surgeries for internal injuries. The prognosis is good, but she is pretty banged up." Hobbs said the accident investigation is closed and though Schneider currently does not face a driving citation, that remains a "possibility." Hobbs said the weather was clear and the roadway dry at the time of the crash. "A witness said (Schneider's vehicle) approached from behind very quickly, changed lanes and lost control," he said. "After that, it entered the median and rolled over several times." Schneider has no driving citations on her record, according to the Michigan Secretary of State. A senior at U-M who is studying psychology and music, Schneider bested 20 other candidates during the 78th annual National Cherry Festival and was crowned queen on July 9. Joseph Tibaldi, principal at Traverse City West Senior High, where Schneider graduated in 2001, said Schneider excelled during her tenure at the school. Schneider was one of the first students at the school to earn all-state honors in orchestra for playing the French horn, he said. "She is a great young lady and a great student who was very well-liked when she was here," he said. "At a school this large, you don't always remember everybody, but she is something special." According to the National Cherry Festival Web site, Schneider became involved in the festival in first grade when she was the Willow Hill Elementary School Cherry Princess. She also has been as ambassador for the festival. As Cherry Queen, Schneider's duties include promoting the cherry industry by traveling around the country. "Right now, she is not taking visitors and no one can talk with her yet," Kern said. "It is a very serious automobile accident and we are all praying for her."
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