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State Sen. Garlan Gudger released from hospital after lake accident, recovering at home with family

State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) has been released from UAB Hospital and is recovering at home following a serious accident on Smith Lake last month. On Tuesday, his wife provided an update on his condition, expressed heartfelt thanks to all those who have reached out to them, and called on the power of prayer to continue her husband’s recovery.

In a video posted to social media, Heather Gudger detailed that the two-term senator sustained significant injuries, including five fractured ribs, eight fractured vertebrae, a collapsed lung, and a punctured artery in his spleen that caused internal bleeding. He also suffered a concussion, resulting in double vision.

He was initially airlifted to UAB Hospital, where he underwent a surgical procedure to address the internal bleeding and remained in the Intensive Care Unit for several days.

RELATED: State Sen. Garlan Gudger issues first statement from hospital – ‘healing comes from God’

“Other than that, we are home. We are thankful to be home. There’s nothing like sleeping in your own bed at night and having our dogs back with us,” Mrs. Gudger said. “Anything that could have gone bad during the situation has actually gone good, and we’re blessed for that.”

“So if there’s anything anyone can continue to do at this time, that is, pray for healing. I believe God has plans for Garlan — and he’s not finished with him. Doctor said he shouldn’t be here, or he should be paralyzed. I believe God’s working through our family right now and during this time we’re able to spend together. I believe we’re growing stronger together, but I do want all of you to know that we appreciate everything you’ve been doing.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270

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