SC lawmaker recovering in hospital after being carried out of USC-Clemson game
A South Carolina lawmaker is recovering after choking during the University of South Carolina-Clemson football game Saturday, requiring him to be put on a stretcher and hospitalized.
State Rep. Weston Newton, R-Beaufort, is recovering at Prisma Health Richland Hospital after being placed on a ventilator at some point over the weekend, according to a statement from his wife, Rose, that was provided to The State. The ventilator has since been removed.
Newton, who chairs the House Legislative Oversight Committee, choked on food while watching the rivalry game in Columbia’s Williams-Brice stadium. Newton was watching the game from the University of South Carolina’s Board of Trustees box with his wife, who is on the board.
First responders quickly arrived at the scene to care for Newton.
“We are so very grateful for the first responders, volunteers and friends at the University of South Carolina on Saturday,” Rose said. “They all did a wonderful job. We are also thankful for the doctors and staff at Prisma Health Richland for their continuing and professional care of Weston.”
Rose said Newton is “heading in the right direction,” according to his doctors.
“We all anticipate that he will make a full and speedy recovery,” she said.
This story was originally published November 29, 2021 at 12:54 PM.
