Fuhrman Suffers Multiple Injuries in Accident on His Ranch

Tom Fuhrman, shown in a 2011 photo on his sprawling Wooden Nickel Ranch in Menifee.

Menifee City Councilman Tom Fuhrman is hospitalized with multiple injuries suffered in an accident on his ranch July 12.

Fuhrman, 69, will remain at Inland Valley Medical Center in Murrieta for at least a week and faces a long recovery. In a phone interview today, Fuhrman said he suffered the injuries in a fall from a ladder while he was trimming trees on his Wooden Nickel Ranch in the rural west part of Menifee.

According to Fuhrman, his injuries include eight broken ribs, a broken collarbone, dislocated shoulder, punctured lung and bruised kidney.

"The critical thing right now is that I don't get pneumonia," said Fuhrman. "It looks good, but it will be a long recovery. I'm getting a lot of support from callers and visitors."

Fuhrman is not able to be out of bed at this point and has not been told what, if any, type of surgery he might face. He missed the July 16 City Council meeting and the date of his return to public service is unknown.

However, Fuhrman confirmed he will pull application papers to run for re-election to his District 2 City Council seat. Candidates have until Aug. 8 to return completed application papers for the Nov. 4 election.

"They might have to bring the papers to me," Fuhrman said. "Right now, I'm just trying to stay still and relax."