CULLMAN, Ala. — UPDATE: Sen. Garlan Gudger (R - Cullman) has issued a public statement from UAB Hospital, where he remains under treatment following a serious Fourth of July jet ski accident that resulted in three fractured vertebrae, six fractured ribs, a punctured lung, and internal bleeding.
Senator Garlan Gudger released the following statement on Sunday:
“If it had not been for the bystanders at the dock, the first responders who treated me at lakeside, the emergency helipad that had been installed by Trident Marina, Alabama’s Air Evac Flight Team, and an amazing group of UAB doctors, nurses, and administrators, I am certain that the outcome of this accident would have been much different. I remain under watch in UAB’s Intensive Care Unit but have been able to walk down the hallway.
The physical recovery will be a difficult one for our family, but it will be made easier by the intercessory prayers being sent by friends, family, constituents, colleagues, and even total strangers who understand that healing comes from God.
At this time, I must focus on getting better and will not be able to accept visitors, but please know how grateful my family and I are for everyone who has reached out to offer help and concern.”
Previous Story: Senator Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham on Thursday after a jet ski accident on Smith Lake. According to a statement from the Alabama State Senate, Gudger underwent surgery for internal bleeding and other injuries, and is now in the Intensive Care Unit. A statement from the Alabama Senate on Friday said that the senator's prognosis was good.
According to ALEA, the incident happened on Lewis Smith Lake on Thursday afternoon. Senator Garlan E. Gudger Jr. was hurt when his 2024 Sea-Doo GTI personal watercraft was struck from behind by a 2019 Sea-Doo GTI operated by his son, Garlan E. Gudger III.
The collision happened around 3:15 p.m. in the Little Crooked Creek area near Crane Hill and caused both men to be thrown into the water. They were both wearing personal flotation devices, which helped keep them afloat. Nearby bystanders assisted the pair out of the water and transported them to a dock. Garlan E. Gudger III was checked by local EMS and did not need further medical treatment.
Gudger’s wife, Heather, released the following 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.
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.”