Alabama Civil Appeals Court Judge Matt Fridy released his first public statement on Thursday just eight days after suffering a heart attack.

He credited God’s grace and the work of his medical team for saving his life and putting him firmly on the road to full recovery.

“As a pharmacist, my wife, Kimberly, was quick to identify the seriousness of my chest pain, and because she called 911 when she did, we avoided a very different and unpleasant  outcome,” Fridy said.

“I will be forever grateful to the Pelham Fire and Rescue first responders, the emergency room staff, and the HeartSouth and Shelby Baptist cardiac critical care doctors and nurses whose skills, talents, and knowledge ensured that I survived.”

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Fridy, a Shelby County Republican who was elected to the Court of Civil Appeals in 2020 after serving two terms in the Alabama House of Representatives, also expressed thanks for the prayers being offered for his recovery.

“Countless Alabamians across the state, ranging from close family friends to complete strangers, have sent messages that they are praying for my recovery, and I know that the surprising progress I have already made is a direct result of God’s grace,” Fridy said. “My heart may have been temporarily weakened, but my will is strong, my mind is sharp, and my determination to heal and help raise our five children is mighty.”

Fridy asked for prayers to continue so he may return to his judicial duties as soon as possible and continue working on behalf of the citizens he swore an oath to serve. His family also asked for no visitors while they initially focus on his recovery.

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The 49 year-old, who is a former chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party, is the second prominent state official to experience a heart attack in less than two years. Senator Tim Melson (R-Florence) had a similar attack while on an economic development mission in South Korea in 2023, but he has since fully recovered and currently chairs the Senate Health Committee.

“Roughly 805,000 heart attacks occur in the U.S. each year, so my experience is not unique or any more important than millions of others who have survived and recovered,” Fridy said.

“I am reminded of the words of Jeremiah 17:14, which tells us: ‘Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.’”