Woman Loses Leg After Being Struck by Train, Then Pulls Herself Off the Tracks: 'Inspires Us All,' Family Says

"Lisa is still experiencing immense pain but facing it like a champion," according to her sister

A woman lost her leg this month after being struck by a New Jersey train — and then she pulled herself to safety, according to her family.

The Morristown Department of Public Safety said in a Facebook post that an officer found the victim, later identified as Lisa Fitzgerald, at the end of the eastbound platform after she was hit by a New Jersey Transit train at the Morristown station.

"Upon making contact with the female, [the officer] noticed her left leg right above the knee was severed from her body and she was bleeding profusely," authorities said. "He immediately applied a tourniquet and tightened it until the bleeding was observed to have stopped."

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Fitzgerald's leg was recovered on the tracks and given to medical personnel, the department added. The woman was taken to the hospital.

According to a GoFundMe campaign launched by her sister, Fitzgerald was commuting to New York when her life "took a tragic turn."

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"After losing her leg in a train accident she saved her own life by pulling herself off the train tracks, onto the platform, and screaming for help," her sister added.

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"Days later, the doctors determined Lisa’s knee could not be saved and her leg needed further amputation," according to the tribute. "Extreme challenges exist for Lisa to return to the active and fun loving daughter, sister, and friend we all know and love. However, watching Lisa fearlessly smile through adversity inspires us all."

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As of May 23, the fundraising campaign has raised over $55,000 for "ongoing rehabilitation and care." On Wednesday, May 22, her sister shared that Fitzgerald, dubbed the "Miracle of Morristown," had left the hospital and started inpatient physical therapy.

She added, "Lisa is still experiencing immense pain but facing it like a champion!"

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