State senator injured in marine-related incident
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State Sen. Garlan Gudger Jr. of Cullman was injured in a marine-related incident involving him and his son on Independence Day. Photo submitted
Special to the News
A marine-related incident occurred on Lewis Smith Lake at approximately 3:15 p.m. Thursday, July 4, and has resulted in the injury of a Cullman man.
Garlan E. Gudger Jr., 49, was injured when the 2024 Sea-Doo GTI personal watercraft (PWC) he was operating was struck in the rear by a 2019 Sea-Doo GTI PWC operated by Garlan E. Gudger III, 21, of Cullman.
The collision caused both individuals to be thrown into the water; however, both Gudger Jr. and Gudger III were wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs). Bystanders in the area assisted both individuals out of the water and transported them to a nearby dock.
Garlan E. Gudger Jr. was evaluated by local emergency medical services personnel (EMS) and was subsequently transported via helicopter to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital for medical treatment.
Garlan E. Gudger III was also evaluated by local EMS personnel, but was released at the scene.
The incident occurred in the Little Crooked Creek area (also known as Rock Creek) on Lewis Smith Lake near Crane Hill in Cullman County. The Crane Hill Fire Department and Cullman EMS both responded to the scene and assisted with medical treatment and transport.
Gudger Jr. is a state senator representing District 4. He was elected to the Alabama State Senate in 2018 and serves as vice chair on the Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee.
According to reports, Gudger Jr. was in the Intensive Care Unit at UAB Hospital after undergoing surgery. His injuries included three fractured vertebrae, six fractured ribs, a punctured lung, and internal bleeding.
While he remained in ICU Sunday, he made his first public statement following the Fourth of July incident.
“If it had not been for the bystanders at the dock, the first responders who treated me at lakeside, the emergency helipad that had been installed by Trident Marina, Alabama’s Air Evac Flight Team, and an amazing group of UAB doctors, nurses, and administrators, I am certain that the outcome of this accident would have been much different,” Gudger said in a statement released by the Alabama State Senate. “The physical recovery will be a difficult one for our family, but it will be made easier by the intercessory prayers being sent by friends, family, constituents, colleagues, and even total strangers who understand that healing comes from God.”
Troopers with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division continue to investigate the incident.
