Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen was hospitalized after being bucked off a horse, suffering seven broken ribs, minor lacerations to his spleen and kidney, a partially collapsed lung, and a minor vertebrae fracture. His injuries were serious but not life-threatening, with no injuries to his neck, head, nervous system, or additional internal organs.

The incident occurred while horseback riding with family near Columbus, leading to Pillen being transported to Columbus Community Hospital and later to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha for a minimally invasive procedure to address minor spleen bleeding. Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly briefly acted as Governor during this time.

Pillen, a Republican governor who began his tenure in January 2023, remains in stable condition as of Monday morning. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wished him a fast recovery, and Pillen’s family expressed gratitude for the thoughts and prayers received, wishing all Nebraskans a merry Christmas.