According to Fox News, Republican Governor Jim Pillen, 68, was hospitalized in intensive care at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha after being thrown off a new horse, resulting in multiple serious injuries, including damage to his spleen.
The incident left the governor with seven rib fractures, a partially collapsed lung, a minor vertebrae fracture, and a minor kidney injury. Despite the severity of his injuries, medical professionals have indicated a positive outlook for his recovery.
Medical Team Reports Successful Emergency Procedure for Governor's Spleen
Nebraska Medicine trauma surgeon Hillman Terzian performed a minimally invasive procedure called prophylactic embolization to address the governor's spleen injury. The operation, which lasted less than an hour, involved inserting coils through wires passed into his arteries near the spleen to stop the bleeding. During this time, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly temporarily assumed gubernatorial duties.
The medical team has been particularly impressed with Pillen's determination during recovery. The governor has already begun walking laps in the hospital, demonstrating remarkable progress despite his injuries. His medical team considers this level of mobility particularly noteworthy, given his condition.
Dr. Terzian explained that the governor's placement in intensive care is standard protocol for patients with similar injuries, especially considering his age and the nature of his rib fractures. The medical team's primary focus now centers on managing the governor's pain effectively.
Governor Maintains Executive Functions While Recovery Continues
Despite his hospitalization, Governor Pillen has made arrangements to continue his governmental duties from his hospital room. The medical staff has confirmed that no additional surgeries are currently planned, though they maintain options for treating his rib injuries if necessary.
Terzian shared his assessment of the governor's condition. According to the trauma surgeon:
We don't expect anyone with his injuries to be up and running a marathon the next day, but we like them to be out of bed, to show us that they can pick up small objects, that sort of thing.
The governor's office has emphasized that while the injuries are serious, they could have been much worse. They have maintained transparency about the governor's condition while assuring the public about his recovery trajectory.
Looking Forward Through Recovery and Leadership
Prior to his role as Nebraska's governor, Pillen's background included work as a veterinarian and ownership of a livestock operation. He assumed office in 2022 after winning the gubernatorial election, succeeding term-limited Republican Governor Pete Ricketts.
Doctors have confirmed that Pillen showed no signs of head, neck, or spinal canal injuries, and his nervous system remains unaffected. These factors contribute significantly to his positive prognosis, though he is expected to remain hospitalized for at least another day.
Moving Forward With Executive Responsibilities
Governor Jim Pillen's horseback riding accident resulted in multiple serious injuries requiring intensive care at Nebraska Medical Center. While the 68-year-old governor undergoes treatment for his spleen injury, fractured ribs, partially collapsed lung, and other injuries, he maintains his governmental duties from his hospital room.
Medical professionals express optimism about his recovery, with Dr. Terzian confirming a positive prognosis despite the need for continued observation and pain management. Lieutenant Governor Kelly briefly assumed gubernatorial responsibilities during the governor's medical procedure, demonstrating the state's prepared leadership continuity protocols.
