State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) was injured in a jet ski accident on Smith Lake late in the afternoon on Thursday.
According to the Cullman Tribune, Gudger was transported to a hospital by helicopter.
Multiple sources at Trident Marina reportedly said Gudger was airlifted from the marina to UAB Hospital in Birmingham where he is undergoing surgery. A source close to the situation said Gudger's injury was "serious but not life-threatening."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
UPDATE: While at UAB, Gudger underwent a brief surgical procedure to address internal bleeding and incurred other injuries that doctors are monitoring, according to a press release late Thursday night.
Gudger is currently in the intensive care unit following his surgery, but his physicians indicate that the prognosis for his recovery is good.
Gudger’s wife, Heather, said in a statement on his behalf on Thursday night, “From the first responders who were quickly on the scene to the members of the helicopter airlift unit to the doctors and nurses at UAB and everyone else who assisted during this accident, we offer our deepest thanks and recognition that each of them kept a difficult situation from being even worse.”
“To those across the state who have reached out and lifted up our family with their prayers of mending and comfort, we feel your support and know that God holds Garlan in his healing hands,” Heather said. “Everyone who knows Garlan is aware that he is a strong, tough, and energetic man who will recover from these injuries and continue serving the citizens of his district while promoting the conservative Alabama values that so many of us hold close.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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