Roy Herron in Critical Condition After Jet Ski Accident

Shannon Taylor

MVP Regional Senior Investigative Reporter

Roy Herron, the former Chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party, the Tennessee State Senator for the 24th district for 16 years, the State Representative for the 76th district for 10 years and the 2010 Democratic nominee for U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 8th congressional district was involved in a Jet Ski accident Saturday, July 2 around 3:45 p.m. when TWRA responded on Kentucky Lake at Panther Bay.

Herron was airlifted to Vanderbilt and was treated by expert care. According to the TWRA press release, two people were seriously injured following a collision between two jet skis. Upon arrival, officers found that two personal watercrafts (PWC's) had collided. TWRA’s preliminary investigation states that Kayla McDonald, age 25, was operating a Yamaha PWC and Peter Fagachugrad, age 24, was operating a Sea Doo PWC when the collision occurred. McDonald and Herron, age 69, were both seriously injured. They were transported by EMS. TWRA is currently investigating the incident.

According to the Caring Bridge created by family members, Herron "has multiple broken bones, internal bleeding, a traumatic brain injury and an arm that is pretty badly injured. He has received blood transfusions and they are working to stabilize him so that they can tend to his multiple medical conditions." Herron's family said, "Please try not to call family members as they are focused on Roy and self-care. Know that they are surrounded by a small group of supporters. There will be ways for you to join the circle of support when we know more. For now, keep them in prayer and hold all involved in the light.” The latest update through Caring Bridge stated that Doctors at Vanderbilt told the family that Herron was improving. Over 630 people have visited the Caring Bridge website, two tributes have been made and 49 people have left comments for Herron and his family. For more updates go to www.caringbridge.com/roy. You can sign up to provide a meal through Meal Train: https://www.mealtrain.