Former New York Rep. Michael Grimm paralyzed from 'devastating' horseback riding accident

Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY
Updated ·2 min read
27

Former New York Rep. Michael Grimm was left paralyzed from the chest down following a "devastating" horseback riding accident in September, according to a new fundraiser organized by the politician's trust.

Grimm, who represented New York in the U.S. Congress from 2011 to 2015, is recovering after being thrown from a horse in September 2024, a GoFundMe started by the 54-year-old's Supplemental Needs Trust says.

"He has been in the most devastating of situations and through the grace of God and the amazing medical teams who have helped him, Mr. Grimm has miraculously thread the needle to survive," the GoFundMe reads.

Grimm is receiving treatment to walk again, and it will "cost millions of dollars," according to the fundraiser. The GoFundMe, which has raised over $100,000, has a $2.5 million goal.

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"For a man who has dedicated his life to helping others, we now humbly ask that you give generously to help him," the fundraising page reads.

USA TODAY contacted Grimm's reps on Monday but did not receive a response.

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Who is US Rep. Michael Grimm?

Grimm was elected to Congress in 2011 following former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani's and former U.S. Rep. Guy Molinari's endorsements. He ultimately resigned from Congress until pleading guilty to one count of tax evasion in a New York federal court.

The former congressman admitted to his misconduct, which included not fully reporting revenues, under two months after winning reelection in December 2014. Following sentencing, Grimm surrendered himself on Sept. 22, 2015, and served seven months in prison.

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Once released, Grimm became a contributor for Newsmax, a conservative news outlet. In September, Newsmax anchor Greg Kelly, a fellow former Marine, reported that Grimm sustained a neck injury requiring surgery and that the former congressman was a patient at an unidentified Westchester County, New York hospital.

Vinny Ignizio, a former New York City councilman, posted about Grimm's injury and the GoFundMe on his Facebook.

"Our friend and former Congressman Michael Grimm suffered a tragic accident that has rendered him paralyzed," according to the social media post. "He needs help to cover the substantial costs that insurance doesn’t cover on his long road to recovery. Your prayers and a donation would help him greatly."

Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former Rep. Michael Grimm paralyzed from horseback riding accident