Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, was seriously injured in a car accident in New Hampshire on Saturday evening, as confirmed by his spokesperson. The 81-year-old was rushed to a local hospital with a fractured vertebrae and multiple lacerations and contusions, including specific injuries to his left arm and lower leg. The incident happened when Giuliani’s rental car was hit from behind, according to his spokesperson, Michael Ragusa.
Prior to the accident, Giuliani had stopped to help a woman who was a victim of domestic violence. He had dialed 911 and remained at the scene until law enforcement arrived to ensure the woman’s safety. The accident occurred after Giuliani had returned to his vehicle, which was then hit from behind at a high speed.
Ragusa, who also serves as Giuliani’s head of security, confirmed that the former mayor, who served from 1994 to 2001, is recovering and in high spirits. “The mayor is in great spirits. He’s a beast. He survived 9/11,” Ragusa said.
Ragusa also noted that Giuliani is expected to remain in a Manchester-area hospital for another two or three days and will then need to wear a brace for his broken vertebrae. Giuliani’s son, Andrew, expressed relief that his father was doing okay and asked for prayers for his recovery.
Maria Ryan, Giuliani’s business partner and a nurse practitioner, is assisting in overseeing his care. She informed reporters that Giuliani is undergoing further tests and his injuries are being stabilized.