Sen. John Fetterman, 56, is under observation in a Pittsburgh hospital after a fall caused by a ventricular fibrillation episode that left him with minor facial injuries. His office says he is "doing well" and elected to remain hospitalized while doctors fine-tune his medications. Fetterman, who suffered a stroke during his 2022 campaign and later sought care for depression, recently published a memoir and was one of a small group of Democrats who voted to end the recent government shutdown.
Sen. John Fetterman Hospitalized After Ventricular Fibrillation‑Related Fall; He Says He's "Doing Well"
Sen. John Fetterman under observation after fall linked to heart rhythm flare-up
Democratic Senator John Fetterman, 56, is being observed in a Pittsburgh hospital after a fall near his Braddock home that left him with minor facial injuries following an episode of an irregular heart rhythm.
Fetterman’s office said the 6-foot-8 senator experienced a ventricular fibrillation flare-up that made him feel light-headed and led to the fall. In a light-hearted statement released by a spokesperson, Fetterman joked,
"If you thought my face looked bad before, wait until you see it now!"
His team said he was taken to a hospital in Pittsburgh and is “doing well” but has chosen to remain under routine observation so doctors can fine-tune his medication regimen.
What is ventricular fibrillation?
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a severe type of arrhythmia in which the heart's lower chambers quiver rapidly and irregularly, preventing effective blood circulation to the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic. VF is most often associated with underlying heart disease but can also be triggered by electric shock or electrolyte imbalances.
Health background
Fetterman’s recent medical history includes a major stroke in May 2022 that temporarily sidelined his campaign. He later underwent heart surgery and spent time in hospital for recovery. In 2023 he sought treatment for clinical depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and his office has previously described extended hospital stays related to his care.
Despite these setbacks, Fetterman won the 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race, defeating Mehmet Oz. His victory contributed to a narrow Democratic majority in the Senate for the final two years of the Biden administration.
Recent activity and public remarks
Earlier this week, Fetterman released a memoir titled Unfettered, in which he candidly discusses his mental-health struggles and the impact on his family. Speaking on a podcast with Katie Couric, he said,
"Depression is bipartisan. It doesn't check: 'Hey, are you a Republican? Are you rural? Are you urban? Are you liberal'. It happens to anybody."
On the Hill, Fetterman has built a reputation as a blunt, hoodie‑wearing centrist Democrat who is sometimes critical of his own party. This week he was among a small group of Senate Democrats who voted to end a prolonged government shutdown; he apologized to service members, SNAP recipients, government workers and Capitol Police affected by missed pay.
Current status: Receiving routine observation in a Pittsburgh hospital; minor facial injuries; doctors are adjusting medications. His staff says he is stable and doing well.
Sources: statements from Senator Fetterman’s office; Cleveland Clinic overview of ventricular fibrillation; public reports on Fetterman’s medical history and recent memoir.
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