Jamie Lynn Spears' family have said they "believe in miracles" as the singer's 8-year-old daughter Maddie continues her recovery following a terrifying ATV accident.
In a statement shared on her Instagram page, Jamie Lynn's sister, singer Britney Spears said: "We are so grateful to share that Maddie is making progress. Thank you all for sending prayers our way Let's all keep praying."
Jamie Watson, who is the stepfather of Spears' daughter, posted a picture with the words "Believe in Miracles" on Instagram Tuesday.
"Thank you to everyone for the prayers," the caption said. "Maddie is doing better and better. Thank y'all so much."
Writing about her granddaughter on Facebook, Holly Watson, who is the mother of Jamie's mother, said the little girl was recovering nicely.
"To all my friends and people all over the world who have prayed for Maddie our prayers have been answered. She is on the road to recovery!" noted Holly.
As reported, Maddie was rushed to the hospital Sunday after accidentally steering her ATV into a pond on her family's Louisiana property, according to a statement from Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards.
Family members attempted to rescue the little girl, who was "trapped and secured by the seat belt and the ATV's safety netting," the statement read. First responders arrived on the scene within two minutes and assisted in freeing Maddie, who was eventually transported to a hospital in New Orleans.
On Tuesday, the hospital announced the little girl had regained consciousness: "She is aware of her surroundings and recognizes those family members who have kept a round-the-clock vigil since the accident," it said.
The statement continues: "Doctors were able to remove the ventilator today and she is awake and talking. Maddie continues to receive oxygen and is being monitored closely but it appears that she has not suffered any neurological consequences from the accident."
Spears has come under criticism for allowing her young daughter to operate an ATV. According to reports, Maddie was driving a Polaris RZR 170, and the 2017 user manual for that specific model advises that kids should be 10 years old to use the vehicle. "Never allow a child under age 10 to operate or ride as a passenger in this vehicle," the manual on the Polaris website says.
"Children differ in skills, physical abilities and judgment. Please supervise the use of the vehicle at all times. Permit continued use only if you determine that you child has the ability and maturity to operate safely," it continues.
"Children are not developmentally capable of operating these heavy, complex machines," Sandra Hassink, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said. "The American Academy of Pediatrics warns all parents that no child under the age of 16 should drive or ride an ATV."
