Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, a Republican, is recovering from serious injuries sustained in a horseback riding accident, CBS News reported.
Pillen was transported to Nebraska Medicine on Sunday afternoon after a horse he was riding bucked him off.
"The Governor's injuries included minor lacerations to his spleen and kidney, seven broken ribs, a partially collapsed lung resulting from the rib damage, and a minor fracture in one of his vertebrae. There were no injuries to his neck, head, nervous system or additional internal organs," his office said in a statement.
It was recommended by the governor's team of doctors that Pillen undergo a coil embolization to stop bleeding in his spleen, a procedure they described as "minimally invasive."
"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," Pillen's office said.
Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly briefly acted as governor during Pillen's procedure.
Although Pillen is in stable condition, he will stay in the hospital for several more days of observation. He will conduct his work as governor from the hospital room, his office said.
"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. The Governor looks forward to returning to his office soon after Christmas and wishes a blessed and safe holiday to all Nebraskans," the statement concluded.