Senator Garlan Gudger issues statement on July 4 jet ski accident

Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) issued a public statement Sunday from UAB Hospital, where he continues to receive treatment following a serious jet ski accident on July 4 that resulted in three broken vertebrae, six broken ribs, a ruptured lung and internal bleeding.

He was flown by helicopter to UAB Hospital on Thursday following the accident on Smith Lake in which his watercraft was struck from behind by another, and upon arrival underwent brief surgery to treat internal bleeding.

The statement from Gudger, a two-term senator who represents parts of Cullman, Marion and Winston counties, said:

“Without the bystanders on the dock, the first responders who treated me on the lakeshore, the emergency helipad set up by Trident Marina, Alabama’s Air Evac Flight Team, and a great group of doctors, nurses, and administrators at UAB, the outcome of this accident would certainly have been very different.

I remain under observation in the ICU at UAB, but was able to walk down the hall.

The physical recovery will be difficult for our family, but will be made easier by the intercessions of friends, family, constituents, coworkers, and even complete strangers who understand that healing comes from God.

At the moment I have to concentrate on my recovery and cannot receive visitors. But you can be sure that my family and I are grateful to everyone who offers me their help and sympathy.”