Atlanta, GA Taxicab Kills Margaret Mitchell, Aug 1949 - Somewhat Better

'GWTW' Author, Hit by Auto, Semi-Conscious in Hospital

ATLANTA, Aug. 13.--(AP)--Shy, modest Margaret Mitchell fought against odds today with the same stout heart she gave Scarlett O'Hara, heroine of her "Gone With the Wind."

The plucky little author of the world-famed Civil War novel was semi-conscious of her hospital bed but she was gaining in her battle against shattering injuries inflicted by a speeding car.

Her husband, John R. Marsh, said last night:

"I am greatly encouraged by her condition. She is definitely better, although still not fully conscious.

"She is no longer under the oxygen tent and the nurses tell me that she responds to some extent when they speak to her."

Marsh, a semi-invalid from a heart attack he suffered three years ago, barely escaped injury himself when a speeding automobile careened into his famous wife as they were crossing Peachtree St. Thursday night.

The police charged the driver, Hugh Gravitt, 29, with speeding, driving on the wrong side of the street and being drunk. His bond was set at $5,450.

The wiry taxicab driver was in his personal automobile when he struck Miss Mitchell and dragged her 15 feet along the pavement. He already had been docketed in Recorder's Court 24 times, mostly for traffic violations. Eight of the former charges were either dismissed or suspended.

When Gravitt's machine struck the Pulitzer Price[sic]-winning author, her husband held her in his arms until an ambulance arrived. He divided his time since between his own physician's home and the hospital.

He described his wife last night as in a "state of extreme shock." He explained that her doctors want this condition to wear off before attempting an x-ray to decide whether an operation is necessary.

The doctors feared she might be suffering from a basal skull fracture. Her left leg also was injured and there were indications she may have received internal injuries.

Yesterday she was given several blood transfusions when her bood[sic] pressure dropped. She responded satisfactorily.

Abilene Reporter News, Abilene, TX 13 Aug 1949

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Margaret Mitchell 'Somewhat Better.'

ATLANTA, Aug. 13. (AP)--Novelist Margaret Mitchell appeared to-day to be "somewhat better, though still in critical condition," a member of the family reported.

X-rays yesterday showed the 43-year-old writer received a fractured skull and fractured pelvis when struck down by an automobile Thursday night.

Abilene Reporter News, Abilene, TX 15 Aug 1949