Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen Sustains Serious Injuries In Horseback Riding Accident

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen (R) is recovering after sustaining serious but non-life-threatening injuries in a horseback riding accident.

Pillen was transported to Nebraska Medicine on Sunday afternoon after the accident, which happened while he was riding with his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter, his office said in a statement.

“The Governor’s injuries included minor lacerations to his spleen and kidney, seven broken ribs, a partially collapsed lung resulting from the rib damage, and a minor fracture in one of his vertebrae,” his office said. “There were no injuries to his neck, head, nervous system or additional internal organs.”

The governor’s team of doctors recommended he undergo a coil embolization to stop bleeding in his spleen, his office said. They described the procedure as “minimally invasive.”

“The procedure was a success, and the Governor caught the second half of the Nebraska men’s basketball win over Murray State in his recovery room, while chatting and joking with his family and team,” his office said on Monday. “In summary, the Governor’s injuries were serious but not life-threatening and could have been much worse.”

During the procedure, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly briefly acted as Governor.

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Pillen’s office said that although he is in stable condition, he will remain in the hospital for several more days for observation. They said he will be able to conduct his work as governor from inside the hospital room.

“Gov. Pillen, First Lady Suzanne and their family are enormously grateful to the teams at Nebraska Medicine, Columbus Community Hospital, and the EMS professionals who transported him after the accident,” the statement concluded. “The Governor looks forward to returning to his office soon after Christmas and wishes a blessed and safe holiday to all Nebraskans.”