Ex-NYC Rep. Michael Grimm 'paralyzed from chest down' after falling off a horse in a freak polo accident

Good Morning, America!

Polo playing has been around for over 2,500 years and is a favorite past time of royalty and the elite due to its complexity, costs, and danger.

In a recent freak accident on October 2nd, Michael Grimm, a former GOP representative for the New York 11th and 13th congressional districts was injured during a polo match he had attended. According to multiple news sources, Grimm was mounting his horse and fell. Upon landing on the ground, he became unconscious, and the horse, due to the fast-pace of the game, trampled Grimm before he could get out of the way.

Grimm played polo as a hobby, but due to the severity of his injuries, he may never walk again. Sources say, “Grimm suffered a spinal cord transection at the C6 vertebrae, and is paralyzed from the chest down.”

This particular injury is a rare one, but it can happen during high impact sports such as skiing, football, ice hockey, and even pole vaulting. When a spinal cord is injured at the C6 level, the individual may lose all function and sensation below the chest, including the arms, legs, hands, and feet.

In addition to losing mobility, this type of injury can also affect bladder function, sexual function, breathing, and blood pressure.

Grimm is an avid sports fan, and according to TMZ Sports, he had simply gone out to watch the match and participate in the halftime festivities. Sources indicate that he was on his way to participate in a halftime horse race.

While the public awaits more information on what caused the accident and if the injuries were due to negligence, we can hope that Grimm regains as much mobility as possible, and is able to find joy in life despite his recent diagnosis.