Fairbanks - Former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley was reportedly injured in a motorcycle accident in Alaska on Sunday. According to his family, he is being treated at a hospital in Fairbanks and will recover.
Reports say Riley lost control of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle while traveling on a gravel road north of Fairbanks. His oldest son, Rob, told an Alabama newspaper the 66 year old former governor suffered 7 broken ribs, a broken clavicle and a punctured lung.
Currently Alabama Governor Robert Bentley's office released this statement, “I was concerned to hear the news this afternoon that Governor Riley had been involved in a motorcycle accident while on his long awaited trip to Alaska. I am relieved to hear that he is expected to make a complete recovery. He, Patsy, and the rest of the Riley family are in the thoughts and prayers of all Alabamians today. Dianne and I wish only the best for him, and pray for the Governor’s speedy recovery so that he can get back to the things he enjoys doing."
Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard’s released this statement upon hearing of the accident, "I was relieved to hear that my friend, former Governor Riley will make a full recovery. Throughout his trip, he has been relaying to me some wonderful experiences of seeing different parts of our country, enjoying the beautiful landscape and visiting with all the cowboys, truck drivers, mechanics, and waitresses he’s encountered on the road. I am disappointed he won’t be able to complete his trip as planned, but I am thankful that he will be okay.”
Riley retired in January after 2 terms in office. He has been on a cross-country motorcycle trip from Alabama to Alaska. He was scheduled to return to Alabama next month.
The former governor's son Rob is leaving Monday to fly to Alaska. The former first lady, Patsy Riley, is expected to fly up to Fairbanks later this week.
