Doctors are continuing to monitor Alabama Sen. Garlan Gudger for injuries sustained during a Fourth of July jet skiing accident on Smith Lake.

Gudger was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham where he underwent a surgical procedure to relieve internal bleeding and other injuries sustained in the accident according to a press release sent out by his press office late Thursday evening.

Gudger’s physicians have given a likely prognosis for recovery but he is to remain in the Intensive Care Unit for the time being.

His wife, Heather Gudger, released the following statement included in the release:

“From the first responders who were quickly on the scene to the members of the helicopter airlift unit to the doctors and nurses at UAB and everyone else who assisted during this accident, we offer our deepest thanks and recognition that each of them kept a difficult situation from being even worse.

“To those across the state who have reached out and lifted up our family with their prayers of mending and comfort, we feel your support and know that God holds Garlan in his healing hands.

“Everyone who knows Garlan is aware that he is a strong, tough and energetic man who will recover from these injuries and continue serving the citizens of his district while promoting the conservative Alabama values that so many of us hold close.”

According to a press release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Gudger, 49, was injured when the 2024 Sea-Doo GTI personal watercraft he was operating was struck in the rear by a 2019 Sea-Doo GTI PWC operated by Garlan E. Gudger III, 21.

“The collision caused both individuals to be thrown into the water, however, both Gudger Jr., and Gudger III were wearing personal flotation devices. 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 and was subsequently transported via helicopter to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital for medical treatment. Garlan E. Gudger III was also evaluated by local EMS personnel but was released at the scene,” according to the statement from ALEA.

The incident occurred in Little Crooked Creek area (also known as Rock Creek) near Crane Hill. The Crane Hill Fire Department and Cullman EMS both responded to the scene and assisted with medical treatment and transport. Nothing further is available as troopers with ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division continue to investigate.

Gudger has been a vocal advocate for boater and visitor safety on Smith Lake. In 2023 he sponsored a senate bill to coincide with with HB422 — sponsored by Rep. Tim Wadsworth — which prohibited wakesurfing within 200 feet of any shoreline and only in areas of Smith Lake wider than 400 feet.

Lake Wedowee and Shoals Creek were also included in the bill and Representative Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) sponsored an amendment in the most recent 2024 legislative session to include Lake Martin in the bill.

The day before Gudger’s accident he released a statement announcing the completion of renovations to Duncan Bridge on Smith Lake from the Alabama Department of Transportation. Completed renovations included steel and concrete repairs, steel coating, deck sealing and the installation of navigational lights for boaters.

“Smith Lake is one of Alabama’s most beautiful resources,” Gudger said. “Boater safety on the lake is so important, and I am so thankful these renovations have been completed to restore historic Duncan Bridge. The revitalization of the bridge will help increase safety on the lake, and I am thankful for the Department of Transportation and their diligent work to get this project completed as people come to Smith Lake to celebrate American Independence this weekend.”