Trooper's condition improves following surgeries

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Bradley Lively had additional surgery Monday night but is reported to be conscious and improving after being struck by a car Monday morning.

Lively, 37, a zone supervisor for Cape Girardeau, Bollinger and Scott counties, was struck by a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero driven by Talisa Jackson, 23, of St. Louis. The accident occurred on northbound Interstate 55 a mile north of Cape Girardeau while Lively was conducting a traffic stop.

He remains in the intensive care unit at St. Francis Medical Center, said Sgt. Larry Plunkett, public information officer for the patrol. After the initial surgery for his two broken legs Monday afternoon, Lively underwent additional surgery Monday night because of circulation problems in his legs. He regained consciousness Tuesday morning, Plunkett said.

Lively's family has been able to visit with him, and he has spoken with them briefly, Plunkett said.

Although he is conscious, Lively has not been able to tell investigators what he remembers about the accident.

"He's still very weak and has a limited ability to communicate," Plunkett said. "He's not out of the woods yet."

Lively had stopped one vehicle Monday shortly after 10 a.m. on a traffic violation, the patrol reported, and was attempting to stop the car that struck him. Lively attempted to move out of Jackson's path when he realized that she was unable to stop in time to avoid hitting him.

The patrol is investigating the accident. No arrests have been made.

Plunkett said the patrol is more concerned about Lively's recovery now than pushing forward with the investigation.