A jet ski accident seriously injured an Alabama state senator.
CRANE HILL, Ala. (WTVA) — A jet ski accident seriously injured an Alabama state senator.
The crash happened on Thursday, July 4 at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Lewis Smith Lake near Crane Hill.
Two jet skis — one occupied by Republican Sen. Garlan Gudger Jr., 49, and one occupied by his son Garlan Gudger III, 21 — collided, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) announced.
Both men wore life jackets and rescuers took them to a nearby dock.
A helicopter transported the senator to a hospital in Birmingham.
He underwent surgery to fix internal bleeding and other injuries, The Associated Press reported. His prognosis is good.
The senator later issued the following statement:
“If it had not been for the bystanders at the dock, the first responders who treated me at lakeside, the emergency helipad that had been installed by Trident Marina, Alabama’s Air Evac Flight Team, and an amazing group of UAB doctors, nurses, and administrators, I am certain that the outcome of this accident would have been much different. I remain under watch in UAB’s Intensive Care Unit but have been able to walk down the hallway. The physical recovery will be a difficult one for our family, but it will be made easier by the intercessory prayers being sent by friends, family, constituents, colleagues, and even total strangers who understand that healing comes from God. At this time, I must focus on getting better and will not be able to accept visitors, but please know how grateful my family and I are for everyone who has reached out to offer help and concern.”
The crash did not seriously injure the son, ALEA announced.
Gudger’s district covers Cullman, Marion and Winston counties. Marion County borders Itawamba County in Mississippi.
Lewis Smith Lake is northwest of Birmingham.
