Miss America contestant hurt

Miss NJ 2013 Cara McCollum was in critical condition after undergoing brain surgery following a serious car accident Monday night.

According to New Jersey State Police, Cara's car ran off Route 55 in South Jersey and struck several trees. She was was immediately taken to Cooper Hospital in Camden.

McCollum is a rising star in New Jersey. She was crowned Miss America New Jersey in 2013, is a graduate of Princeton University, and is currently working at SNJ Today.