New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine Gravely Injured

New Jersey's Governor Jon Corzine was on his way to the Governor's mansion to host the meeting between disgraced talk show host, Don Imus, and the women's basketball team of Rutgers University at approximately 6 p.m. on April 12, 2007, when the SUV he was riding in struck a vehicle swerving on the Garden State Parkway and then crashed into a guardrail. The accident occurred in Galloway Twp.

The Governor was then transported by helicopter to Cooper University Hospital in Camden. He suffered numerous fractures and underwent surgery for two hours. It was revealed by a spokeman for the Governor, Anthony Coley, that 12 ribs were broken, and fractures were sustained to the collarbone, sternum, left leg and a vertebra in his lower back. At the time of Coley's statement, there did not appear to be any brain or spinal cord damage.

Dr. Robert Ostrum, chief of orthopedic trauma surgery at Cooper indicated that the Governor's injuries were extensive and that it was necessary to insert a tube to help Corzine breathe because of his rib injuries. He said that Corzine would require additional surgery, perhaps two more at the least and would also face several months of rehabilitation.

Trooper Robert Rasinski, 34, was operating the SUV transporting the Governor, and the other occupant was a 25 year old aide named Samantha Gordon. Ms. Gordon was in the back seat, and Gov. Corzine was in the front passenger seat. Both Rasinski and Gordon sustained minor injuries. They were also taken to Cooper Hospital for treatment.

The accident apparently happened when a red pickup truck entered the road, crossing into the path of a white pickup truck. As the pickup truck swerved in front of the vehicle occupied by the Governor, a collision occurred and the SUV careened into the guardrail. It wasn't raining and the pavement was dry. The red pickup truck that police believe to be the cause of the accident failed to stop and fled the scene. Attempts to identify the vehicle are being made, although no charges have been filed as yet.

The meeting between Don Imus and members of the Rutgers University women's basketball team, which was characterized as "intense," still took place as Deputy chief of staff Jeannine LaRue moderated in the injured Governor's place. The basketball team's coach, C. Vivian Stringer, later termed the meeting "productive."

Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) has assumed the role of acting governor and is likely to have to continue in that role for at least the next three months. Codey said: "On behalf of the citizens of New Jersey, I want to wish him [Governor Corzine] a speedy recovery."

Sources:
Newark Star Ledger: Corzine Injured in Parkway Crash - www.nj.com