Sarah Palin’s husband suffered eight fractured ribs and other injuries in a snowmobile accident in Alaska, but he was expected to recover, his father said Monday.
Details about Todd Palin’s injuries emerged the same day the 2008 vice presidential candidate made a surprise appearance at a Donald Trump rally in Florida after his campaign had said that she was returning home to be with her husband.
Todd Palin also received injuries to his collarbone and lungs in the Sunday night crash, father Jim Palin told The Associated Press. He said he did not know the extent of those injuries and has not yet spoken with his son.
He called the crash “one of those freak accidents” and said it happened about 70 miles north of the Palins’ hometown of Wasilla. Todd Palin was set for surgery Monday and was expected to make a full recovery, Jim Palin said.
“He’s a tough adult,” he said.
In a Facebook posting, Sarah Palin called her husband the “toughest guy” she knows, adding that she was flying home to Alaska. Palin did not discuss details of her husband’s accident but thanked supporters for their prayers.
Palin, a former Alaska governor, showed up at a Trump rally in Tampa Bay after his campaign announced she was heading home.
“Thank you, guys, for your prayers for my husband who is recovering right now in the ICU after a little wreck on a snowmachine,” she said, referring to what Alaskans commonly call snowmobiles.
Palin introduced Chris Christie, one of a handful of speakers at the rally.
“When real life happens,” she later said, “it really puts things in perspective doesn’t it?”
Donald Trump’s presidential campaign says that Todd Palin, husband of Sarah Palin, has been “in a bad snow machine accident” Sunday night and is in serious condition in intensive care.
The statement says Sarah Palin “looks forward to being back on the campaign trail soon.” And said Trump, the GOP front runner, sends his thoughts and prayers to Palin and her family.
Other presidential candidates also weighed in to wish the Palins well.
Saddened to hear the news about Todd. Heidi and I will be keeping him and the entire Palin family in our thoughts and prayers.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 14, 2016
It is not the first time Todd Palin was involved in a snowmobile crash. In 2008, he broke his arm in a high-speed crash in Alaska’s annual 2,000-mile Iron Dog snowmobile race, but he and then-racing partner Scott Davis still finished in fourth place after Davis towed him the final 50 miles.
Palin is a four-time winner of the race. His last championship was in 2007.
Jim Palin, who splits his time between California and Alaska, said he plans to return to Alaska at the end of the month unless his son wants him there earlier.
He also asked that the family be allowed to go through this “in peace.”
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Our thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery.
Am praying for Todd’s complete recovery!
Thank you, Sarah for your selfless service!!
To Sarah: Sending our prayers for Todd’s speedy recovery. Thank God he is strong. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Our best wishes to Todd and the Palin family. We are former neighbors of the Palins having lived in Palmer, AK from 1987 thru 1993. We wish them the best.
Robert and Margaret Shattles
Hiawassee, GA
To Sarah: My family is praying for a Blessed and Speedy recover for Todd’s recovery….. God Bless My daughter lived in Alaska for five years …. a beautiful place ….
Dear Palin family ,
Praying for Todd to be healed and you to be comforted by our Great Physician and loving Lord and Savior Jesus!!!
In His High and Holy Name. Amen &a Amen