State Senator Garlan Gudger injured in jet ski accident on Smith Lake

State Senator Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) was injured in a jet ski accident on Smith Lake late Thursday afternoon.

According to the Cullman-TribuneGudger was flown to a hospital by helicopter.

Multiple sources at Trident Marina said Gudger was flown by helicopter from the marina to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where he is undergoing surgery. A source familiar with the situation said Gudger’s injury was “serious but not life-threatening.”

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

UPDATE: While at UAB, Gudger underwent brief surgery to treat internal bleeding and suffered other injuries that are being monitored by doctors, according to a news release late Thursday night.

Gudger is currently in intensive care following his surgery, but his doctors believe his prognosis for recovery is good.

Gudger’s wife, Heather, said in a statement on his behalf Thursday evening: “To the first responders who quickly arrived on the scene, to the members of the Helicopter Air Transport Unit, to the doctors and nurses at UAB and to everyone else who assisted in this accident, we have our deepest gratitude and appreciation for each of them preventing a difficult situation from becoming even worse.”

“To everyone across the state who has supported our family with their prayers for recovery and comfort, we feel your support and know that God holds Garlan in his healing hands,” Heather said. “Anyone who knows Garlan knows that he is a strong, tough and energetic man who will recover from these injuries and continue to serve the citizens of his district while promoting the conservative Alabama values ​​that so many of us hold dear.”

To contact the author of this story or to leave a comment, send an email to [email protected].

Don’t miss it! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.