Late Thursday afternoon, State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) was airlifted from Smith Lake to Birmingham and underwent surgery to address internal bleeding and other injuries stemming from a jet ski accident earlier in the day.

Gudger's mother, Dot Gudger, updated the Cullman Daily on the status of the Cullman County lawmaker.

"I just wanted to give an update on Garlan and to tell all of you thank you so much for reaching out to our family," she said. "It is wonderful to have praying Christian friends who care about you. I just spoke to his doctor and he is doing remarkably well considering that he was run over by a JetSki! Things that could have happened did not and he is in lots of pain, but I suppose that’s to be expected considering the circumstances. He had surgery on his spleen and the artery to the spleen. He has broken ribs and chipped vertebrae. All of this is causing much pain, especially in his back. They are going to get him up today for walking and I dread that for him so please pray because it’s going to be very painful. Again, thank all of you and continue to pray for us because that’s what we need right now more than anything."

In the meantime, Gudger has received an outpouring of support from his colleagues and other officials around the state.

Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.

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