Alabama Senator Garlan Gudger says he is recovering after jet ski accident • Alabama Reflector

Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) said in a statement Sunday that he was still in the emergency room after a jet ski accident on Independence Day, but was able to walk down a hallway again.

Gudger made the statement from the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital, where he was flown by helicopter after Thursday’s accident on Smith Lake. Gudger underwent surgery for internal bleeding and also suffered three broken vertebrae, six broken ribs and a punctured lung.

“The physical recovery will be difficult for our family, but it will be made easier by the intercessions of friends, family, constituents, colleagues and even total strangers who understand that healing comes from God,” he wrote. “At this time, I must focus on my recovery and cannot receive visitors, but please know how grateful my family and I are to everyone who has offered help and concern.”

He also thanked the people who provided assistance after the accident, including passersby, first responders, the flight crew and UAB medical staff.

Gudger was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.