Britney Spears's niece 'awake' after nearly drowning

Singer Britney Spears's niece Maddie, 8, is awake and talking after almost drowning.

"With her father, mother and stepfather by her side, Maddie regained consciousness mid-day on Tuesday," an official from her hospital told people.com in a statement.

"The 8-year-old daughter of entertainer Jamie Lynn Spears was involved in an ATV accident at a family home on Sunday (February 5) in Kentwood, Louisiana. Paramedics resuscitated her and she was airlifted to a local hospital. She is aware of her surroundings and recognises those family members who have kept a round-the-clock vigil since the accident."

The statement further read: "Doctors were able to remove the ventilator today (Tuesday) 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."

--IANS

nn/vm