By Bruce A. Fasol
Retired U.S. Congressman Kenneth Gray is resting comfortably in a St.Louis hospital after falling at his West Frankfort home on Wednesday. Gray suffered injuries to his arm, and a blow to the head. The injuries were traumatic, but non-life threatening.
It was primarily concern from the head trauma that places Gray at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Doctors are running tests to determine the extent of any damage to the brain from the fall.
Gray’s wife, Pastor Toedy Gray spoke with franklincounty-news.com at the hospital. She said, “Kenny is talking, awake, and responsive. We are awaiting the tests they are to do on him before they can release him.”
Mrs. Gray was not sure when that release could come, but was hopeful to have him back in southern Illinois by the end of the weekend.
Ken Gray suffered a stroke in early 2000, and has had other health concerns that have seen him hospitalized. Still. he has been a function at many civic events across the region, especially those dedicated to veterans.
Gray served nearly 20 years as a U.S. Congressman and was labeled “The Prince of Pork” – a title he gladly accepted – for the millions of dollars that he brought back to his district in work projects. Gray was the driving force behind the creation of Rend Lake – a 19,000-acre man-made lake that draws millions of tourists to Southern Illinois each year- and Interstate 57 that the length of the state.
Family members, friends, and fellow church members from Christian Worship Center have been awaiting progress reports, at the hospital. However, Gray remains in the Intensive Care Unit and can have only limited visitation.
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