Former U.S. Representative Michael Grimm, a Republican from New York who stepped down from Congress due to a tax fraud conviction, is now paralyzed from the chest down following a fall from a horse during a polo match. Friends are raising funds to support his medical treatment.
Grimm, 54, sustained the serious injury in September and is currently receiving care at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey, the same facility where actor Christopher Reeve was treated after a similar accident.
Vincent Ignizio, a friend and former New York City Council member, noted that Grimm, a longtime polo enthusiast, had a “tragic accident” and established a GoFundMe for his medical expenses.
The GoFundMe states that Grimm has survived “through the grace of God and the amazing medical teams,” but his journey to recovery, including efforts to walk again, could cost millions.
Grimm, a former Marine and FBI agent, represented Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn from 2011 to 2015.
A 2012 federal investigation into his fundraising led to a 20-count indictment related to underreporting wages and income at a Manhattan restaurant he owned.
Despite reelection in 2014, he later pled guilty to one count of tax fraud, resigned in 2015, and served eight months in prison.
Grimm attempted a comeback in 2018 but lost in the Republican primary. His former district is currently represented by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.
More than $260,000 had been raised for Grimm’s care by early Tuesday.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his sympathy on social media, stating he was “deeply saddened” by Grimm’s accident and wishing for his full recovery as the nation honors veterans.
