Last week, Gayle Conelly Manchin, the wife of Senator Joe Manchin, found herself involved in a car accident while attending a grant workshop in Birmingham, Alabama. Thankfully, after spending a couple of nights in the hospital, she is now back home in West Virginia and feeling grateful for her recovery.
Gayle, who serves as the federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, was traveling with her colleague, Guy Land, when their vehicle was struck by another car. Both Gayle and Guy were promptly taken to the University of Alabama Birmingham trauma medical team for treatment.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Gayle expressed her appreciation for the exceptional care she received from the medical team, recognizing their role in her ongoing improvement. She also expressed gratitude to the city's emergency responders for their swift and professional action in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
Upon hearing the news of his wife's hospitalization, Senator Manchin assured the public that Gayle was in stable condition, but would remain in Alabama for a couple of days as a precaution. The Appalachian Regional Commission confirmed that Gayle had been discharged and would be returning to West Virginia with the support of her family. Guy Land was also discharged and returned to Washington, D.C.
Gayle's career has been marked by her dedication to public service. Before joining the Appalachian Regional Commission, she served as the first lady of West Virginia from 2005 to 2010. Additionally, she held prominent positions such as president of the West Virginia Board of Education from 2013 to 2014 and the state's secretary of education and the arts from 2017 to 2018.
This incident comes at a time when Senator Joe Manchin has made headlines for contemplating a possible third-party presidential run. Having announced his decision not to seek reelection to the U.S. Senate, he has sparked speculation about his future political ventures. Prior to serving in the Senate, Manchin also served as the governor of West Virginia.
As Gayle continues her recovery, we are relieved to hear that she is doing well and back home with her family. This accident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and the dedication of healthcare professionals and emergency responders in ensuring our well-being.
