 1819 News. Alabama State Senator Garland Gudger had to be airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham after a jet ski accident on Smith Lake. Gudger underwent surgery for internal bleeding. This past Sunday, the state lawmaker provided an update on his condition, saying that he has been able to walk by himself down the hallway. Gudger expressed a lot of gratitude for all of the medical staff, first responders, and airlift team that helped him through this accident. Gudger says the physical recovery is going to be difficult for his family.