US Congressman seriously injured after falling 25 feet off ladder with chainsaw

A Florida congressman was hospitalized on Wednesday after falling about 25 feet from a ladder while cutting limbs off a tree near his home.

Representative Greg Steube, who represents Florida’s 17th congressional district in the House of Representatives, was hospitalized with ‘several serious injuries’ after the incident on Wednesday.

Steube was trimming the limbs of a tree next to his home in Sarasota when he was knocked off a ladder by falling branch, his staff said in a statement. He fell approximately 25 feet to the ground.

He was found by a driver who was delivering a package to a home next door, ABC7 reported. The delivery driver told the local station he was the one to call 911.

According to the driver, Steube was holding a chainsaw when he plunged from the ladder. The witness said he appeared to have several bruises on his back, as well as an injury to his leg.

‘We are thankful to the individual who witnessed the fall and immediately called 911, as well as Sarasota County’s Emergency Services for their quick response and transportation,’ Steube’s staff stated on the congressman’s Twiter account.

Steube was hospitalized and spent the night in the intensive care unit, his staff said on Thursday morning. They did not elaborate on his injuries, but said there were ‘several serious injuries are still under assessment but not life threatening at this time.’

The news was met with an outpouring of support from Steube’s colleague’s in Florida’s congressional delegation. Rep Vern Buchanan, who represents the neighboring 16th district, said he felt ‘horrible’ about the accident.

‘Sandy and I are keeping him and his family in our thoughts and prayers and wishing him a very speedy recovery,’ Buchanan said.

Rep Gus Bilirakis, who represents Florida’s 12th district, wished Steube a ‘speedy recovery.’

‘I’m keeping him and the entire Steube family in my prayers,’ Bilirakis said.

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