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Rep. Tom Graves’ son ‘suffered severe head trauma’ in cycling accident

John Graves is a member of Georgia Tech’s cycling club team and was airlifted to a trauma unit Sunday

Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ga., is retiring at the end of this term. His son was seriously injured over the weekend.
Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ga., is retiring at the end of this term. His son was seriously injured over the weekend. (Bill Clark/Roll Call file photo)

Updated, March 10, 3:05 p.m. | Rep. Tom Graves’ son was “showing improved signs of responsiveness” on Tuesday, according to the congressman, who posted an update on Twitter.

John Graves was involved in a cycling accident in Calhoun, Georgia, on Sunday and was airlifted to a trauma unit. He is a member of Georgia Tech’s cycling club team and was competing in a road race.

“Sunday, John suffered severe head trauma and had multiple spots of bleeding on his brain,” his father tweeted. “He’s been responding extremely well to treatment and care” and “beginning to ask questions.”

On Sunday, crews from the Calhoun Fire Department were called to assist paramedics around 11 a.m. after a race participant was injured, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

“He’s a strong boy,” Graves tweeted Monday. “We appreciate the outpouring of support and continued prayers as John begins his recovery.”

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle shared their support following Graves’ announcement.

“As a parent, nothing hurts more than watching your child experience pain in any form,” tweeted fellow Georgia Rep. Jody Hice.

“Horrible news,” wrote Rep. Doug Collins, also a Georgian. “My prayers go out to John and the entire Graves family.”

“Praying for John and his family during this difficult time,” wrote Florida Rep. Val Demings.

Graves announced in December he would not seek reelection and instead join his family “on their new and unique journeys,” Graves wrote in a letter.

“I was motivated to push through the tough days of campaigning and the hardest days in office by my kids, Josephine, John and Janey,” he wrote at the time. “With [my wife] Julie near retirement and my kids now suddenly adults, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2020.”

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