BIRMINGHAM — State Sen. Garlan Gudger is in intensive care following a jet ski accident Thursday at Smith Lake.

Gudger (R-Cullman) was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham where where he underwent surgery Thursday night for internal bleeding and other injuries.

“The two-term senator is currently in the Intensive Care Unit following his surgery, but his physicians indicate that the prognosis for his recovery is good,” according to a statement from his office.

“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,” Heather Gudger said in a statement Thursday night. “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 …”