Hannah Smith Patient Story (WSVN 7 News)
August 1, 2025 – 22-year-old Hannah Smith was vacationing in the Bahamas with a friend when tragedy struck. Smith, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and a Miles College graduate, was in the Bahamas celebrating her college graduation. While on an excursion, her body came into contact with a boat propeller, which severed both of Smith’s legs.
Smith was flown to Miami where she underwent multiple surgeries. She came to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami for inpatient rehabilitation where she made a remarkable recovery.
“I think she has a great prognosis,” said Dr. Evan Grant, medical director at Encompass Health Miami. “She’s already had a tremendous recovery. She’s got that support system, but she’s also got a great attitude herself.”
With three hours of therapy each day, Smith worked with a multidisciplinary team to strengthen her upper body, transfer to and from her wheelchair and accomplish activities of daily living. She will be fitted for prosthetics soon.
WSVN-7 News interviewed Smith prior to her discharge from Encompass Health Miami and again on the day of her discharge.