Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen was discharged from the Nebraska Medical Center on Friday after enduring significant injuries resulting from a horseback riding accident.
The incident occurred on December 21 when Pillen, who was riding with family members near Columbus, Nebraska, was bucked off his horse. The 68-year-old governor sustained seven broken ribs on his left side, minor lacerations to his spleen and kidney, and suffered from fractured vertebrae. Two of his ribs were broken twice, which complicated his condition.
Following the accident, the governor was initially treated at Columbus Community Hospital, where he was stabilized before being transferred via helicopter to Omaha for more comprehensive care. Once at the Nebraska Medical Center, Pillen underwent two surgeries over the course of several days to address his injuries.
On December 22, doctors performed a minimally invasive procedure to cauterize bleeding from his spleen. This was followed by rib fixation surgery on Christmas night, where nine titanium plates were implanted to stabilize his broken ribs. The rib fixation operation lasted approximately three hours and aimed to ease his pain, promote long-term healing, and prevent complications.
According to Dr. Zach Bauman, who conducted the rib fixation surgery, the governor was experiencing considerable discomfort prior to the operation. "He had a lot of movement of those rib fractures, including some popping," Bauman remarked, adding, "We were able to stabilize and restore normal respiratory function to his left chest, and since then, he’s been doing very well.”
Pillen's recovery was characterized by high spirits, as noted by Dr. Charity Evans, the chief of acute care surgery and trauma. “He is eager and anxious to recover,” she stated, noting his cooperative demeanor throughout his medical treatment.
While recovering from his injuries, Lt. Governor Joe Kelly served as the acting governor as required by Nebraska's Constitution, allowing Pillen to focus solely on his recuperation. Despite his circumstances, the governor coordinated working arrangements from his hospital room, demonstrating his commitment to his duties.
After five days of hospitalization, the Governor’s Office announced he would continue his recovery at the Governor’s Residence before resuming his office activities next week. It has been reported he is already eager to return to horseback riding, though his doctors have indicated they will assess his recovery progress before allowing such activity.
The series of medical procedures gave the governor some relief, with doctors indicating no additional complications arose from his injuries, which included minor damage to his kidney and spleen, as well as concerns over his breathing due to the rib fractures.
On December 26, just prior to his discharge, the medical team provided the public with updates, emphasizing his recovery and expressing confidence in the stabilization of his injuries. The governor was expected to prioritize rest and gradual reintegration back to his official duties.
Illinois Governor Jim Pillen's determination to bounce back from this incident received positive remarks from his medical professionals, highlighting his proactivity and engagement during his recovery process.
Looking forward, Gov. Pillen's prompt recovery and return to action exemplify resilience. His accident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers involved with horseback riding, even for seasoned riders.
This incident has garnered attention not just for its impact on the governor's health but also for how it alters expectations around Nebraska's leadership during recovery and the necessity of having competent figures ready to step up during emergencies.
With the new legislative session just around the corner, Gov. Pillen's recovery will be closely watched, and many will be eager to see him back at the forefront of state affairs.
Dr. Zach Bauman notes, “I think he is eager to do [ride again], but we’ll see how things progress.” Meanwhile, one can only hope for the governor’s swift return to health and his duties.
