Governor Jim Pillen is being discharged from Nebraska Medicine after a horse-riding accident left him with multiple serious injuries. He will continue his recovery at the Governor’s Residence and plans to resume office activities next week. Despite suffering from injuries such as broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and a minor fracture in a vertebrae, Pillen did not sustain any injuries to his head, neck, or nervous system.
During his treatment, Pillen underwent a coil embolization procedure to address minor bleeding from his spleen, as well as a rib fixation procedure to stabilize his broken ribs using metal plates. These procedures were done to promote stronger long-term healing, manage pain during recovery, and reduce the risk of complications. Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly briefly acted as Governor while Pillen was undergoing surgery, in accordance with the Nebraska Constitution.
The Governor’s Office has confirmed that Pillen will be discharged from the hospital and will continue his recovery at home. Despite the severity of his injuries, Pillen did not suffer any injuries to his head, neck, or nervous system. He underwent procedures to address bleeding from his spleen and stabilize his broken ribs, with plans to resume office activities next week.
