UNMC: Pillen suffered rib fractures, partially collapsed lung after falling from horse

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Physicians at the University of Nebraska Medical Center gave an update Monday on Gov. Jim Pillen’s recovery after he fell from a horse.

Pillen was taken to UNMC on Sunday. He was riding horses with his family when a new horse bucked him off, according to the governor’s office.

Dr. Charity Evans and Dr. Hillman Terzian said Pillen’s injuries included cuts to his spleen and kidney, seven broken ribs, a partially collapsed lung and a minor fracture in one of his vertebrae.

There were no injuries to his neck, head or nervous system.

Doctors say the governor couldn’t have worn anything to prevent his injuries.

“His injuries are usually not prevented by protective gear,” Terzian said. “If he had a head injury, that would be different, but thankfully he has no head injury.”

Pillen underwent a coil embolization, a minimally invasive procedure to stop minor bleeding from his spleen, the doctors said.

During the procedure — which took less than an hour — Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly briefly acted as governor, state officials said in a press release.

The procedure was a success, and Pillen was able to watch the second half of the Nebraska men’s basketball game.

“In summary, the Governor’s injuries were serious but not life-threatening and could have been much worse,” the governor’s office said in the release. 

Monday afternoon, Pillen was released from the intensive care unit.

He is expected to remain in the hospital for “a few days” for observation.

“He’s doing his job from his bed,” Evans said. “It’s great.”