WALLED LAKE, MI -- What started off as a leisurely Tuesday on the lake, turned in to a frantic trip to the hospital.
NBC25's Bryan Hughes, morning show meteorologist, was stepping off of a pontoon boat on to a dock when he slipped and fell, chest first, on the dock waiting below. Upon his fall, he collapsed in to the water. Somehow, he managed to pull himself up onto the dock and then collapsed in pain.
Watching from the boat, Cindy Serling said, "I have no idea how he was able to pull himself up out of the water."
Hughes said, " All I remember was telling myself, 'I don't want to drown'".
A call to 911 was made and the Walled Lake Fire & Rescue responded within minutes. His injuries were severe enough that he needed to be taken to a trauma unit versus a normal emergency room. Within 20 minutes, he was transported to Botsford Hospital's trauma unit in Farmington HIlls.
After X-Rays and a CAT Scan, it was determined that emergency surgery was needed to stop any internal bleeding and to check his intestines for possible punctures. After 2 hours in surgery, Bryan was released from emergency care to recuperate. He has many fractured ribs but Bryan is doing okay even though he's in an intense amount of pain.
After spending 4 days in the hospital, he's been released and has been transported to Lubbock, Texas to recuperate with his family. He is expected to see his doctors at Texas Tech University and receive further treatment.
Bryan said, "I want to thank Cindy, Renee, Nicki, Howi, Eric, Kim and my bosses Becky and Jeff for helping to take care of me and looking after me. My family at home is grateful for all that they have done for me." Bryan Hughes will return to the air as soon as possible after his doctors give him clearance.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEND BRYAN WELL WISHES LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW OR E-MAIL HIM HERE: bhughes@nbc25.net
