From Tribune staff reports
CULLMAN COUNTY–Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman was injured in a jet ski accident on Lewis Smith Lake on Thursday, July 4.
Gudger was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham where he remains in ICU, but is reportedly stable following surgery to address internal bleeding.
According to ALEA Sgt. Jeremy Burkett, the incident occurred near Little Crooked Creek, also known as Rock Creek.
According to ALEA Sgt. Jeremy Burkett, at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, Gudger, 49, was injured when the 2024 Sea-Doo GTI jet ski he was operating was struck in the rear by a 2019 Sea-Doo GTI jet ski operated by his son Garlan E. Gudger III, 21.
The collision caused both individuals, who were wearing life jackets, to be thrown into the water.
Bystanders in the area assisted both individuals out of the water near the Trident Marina and transported them to a nearby dock.
Sen. Gudger was evaluated by local EMS personnel and was subsequently transported via helicopter to UAB Hospital for medical treatment.
Gudger III was also evaluated by local EMS personnel but was released at the scene.
The Crane Hill Fire Department and Cullman EMS both responded to the scene and assisted with medical treatment and transport.
“While at UAB, he underwent a brief surgical procedure to address internal bleeding and incurred other injuries that doctors are monitoring,” according to an update from the senator’s office.
“The two-term senator is currently in the Intensive Care Unit following his surgery, but his physicians indicate that the prognosis for his recovery is good.”
Gudger is in his second term after upsetting incumbent Republican Senator Paul Bussman in 2018.
“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,” the Senator’s wife, Heather Gudger, said in a statement.
“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.”
