Former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley Bob was seriously injured Sunday while riding a motorcycle in Alaska as part of a road trip across the country.
According to a press release from his former chief of staff, Riley, 66, of Ashland, punctured a lung and broke several bones while riding his motorcycle near Fairbanks. He is being treated in a Fairbanks hospital and doctors there expect him to make a full recovery, said the emailed release from former Riley aide Dave Stewart.
The accident occurred while Riley was driving a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on a dirt and gravel road, Stewart wrote. As it began to rain, Riley hit a slick spot and had to “lay the motorcycle down” to avoid losing control. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, Stewart wrote.
During a brief phone interview Monday, Stewart said Riley was helped by passing motorists.
"He said some nice folks stopped and helped and took him to the hospital," Stewart said.
Riley will return to Alabama as soon as his doctors clear him to travel.
"The doctors said he'll probably be up there a week," Stewart said.
Beth Ipsen, spokeswoman for the Alaska State Troopers, said the accident report states Riley was returning from the Arctic Circle when his crash occurred.
"Its very common for motorcycle enthusiasts to go there," Ipsen said. "And that road is the only way to get to it."
The Arctic Circle is the circle of latitude on the Earth's surface where the sun does not rise on the winter solstice or set on the summer solstice.
Former First Lady Patsy Riley is traveling to Alaska to be with the former governor.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Arctic Circle Trip Led to Ex Governor's Crash
