AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Gov. Greg Abbott will miss next week’s Republican National Convention as he recovers from burns sustained when he came into contact with scalding hot water.
Spokesman Matt Hirsch told The Associated Press on Tuesday that doctors said it would be “irresponsible” for Abbott to travel to Cleveland. He’d been set to head the convention’s Texas delegation.
While on vacation in Wyoming last week, Abbott suffered second- and third-degree burns on his feet and both legs below the knees.
In a separate statement Tuesday, Abbott’s office said the governor “underwent a successful skin graft procedure” at San Antonio’s Brooke Army Medical Center. He will remain hospitalized, though, rather than returning immediately to Austin as planned.
Abbott has used a wheelchair since a freak 1984 accident left him paralyzed below the waist.
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