Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has been hospitalized after being bucked off a horse, according to his office on Monday.
Pillen, 68, suffered seven broken ribs, minor lacerations to his spleen and kidney, a partially collapsed lung resulting from the rib damage, and a minor fracture in one of his vertebrae.
His injuries were “serious but not life-threatening,” his office stated.
“There were no injuries to his neck, head, nervous system or additional internal organs,” according to the latest update.
The incident happened Sunday afternoon while the governor was horseback riding with his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter near Columbus.
After the fall, Pillen was transported to Columbus Community Hospital. He was later transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha “out of an abundance of caution,” where he is expected to stay for several days.
Doctors recommended the governor undergo a minimally invasive procedure to address minor bleeding from his spleen. The governor was placed under anesthesia during the procedure, which took less than an hour.
“During that time, Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly briefly acted as Governor, pursuant to the Nebraska Constitution—a transfer of power which happens regularly when the Governor travels outside of the state,” his office stated.
“The procedure was a success, and the Governor caught the second half of the Nebraska men’s basketball win over Murray State in his recovery room, while chatting and joking with his family and team. In summary, the Governor’s injuries were serious but not life-threatening and could have been much worse.”
The Republican governor began his tenure in January 2023. Prior to being elected as Nebraska’s 41st governor, Pillen worked as a veterinarian for several decades. Pillen launched two multigenerational family-run businesses, according to his website. In 1993, he began Pillen Family Farms, along with his father. A decade later, he launched DNA Genetics.
Pillen remains in stable condition as of Monday morning.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wished him a fast recovery.
“Please join Cecilia and me in praying for a swift, successful recovery for Governor Jim Pillen,” he wrote in a post on X. “Our hearts go out to Governor Pillen and his loved ones during this time.”
The Nebraskan governor’s office said that his family is very appreciative of the thoughts and prayers given to them and they wish all Nebraskans a very merry Christmas.