Nebraska Governor Injured in Horseback Riding Accident

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is recovering after sustaining serious injuries in a horseback riding accident over the weekend. The Republican governor was riding with family members when the incident occurred, resulting in injuries that required immediate medical attention but were thankfully non-life-threatening.

The accident left Governor Pillen with a range of injuries, including:

• Seven broken ribs.

• A partially collapsed lung due to rib damage.

• Minor lacerations to his spleen and kidney.

• A minor vertebral fracture.

Despite the severity of his injuries, there were no damages to his head, neck, nervous system, or other internal organs. To address bleeding in his spleen, Governor Pillen underwent a minimally invasive coil embolization procedure, which his office confirmed was successful. The governor remained in high spirits, watching the Nebraska men’s basketball game from his recovery room and engaging with family and staff.

The accident temporarily required Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly to step in as acting governor during the medical procedure. However, Governor Pillen’s office confirmed he is already conducting work from his hospital room, emphasizing his determination to serve Nebraskans even while recovering.

“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,” a statement from his office read. “The Governor looks forward to returning to his office soon after Christmas and wishes a blessed and safe holiday to all Nebraskans.”

Governor Pillen is expected to remain in the hospital for several more days under observation. His accident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers involved in horseback riding, even for seasoned riders.

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