Tragedy Strikes: Forme Marine-Turned-Congressman Fights for Recovery After Devastating Polo Accident
In a dramatic turn of events that has shocked both political circles and the equestrian community, former U.S. Representative Michael Grimm, 54, finds himself facing the biggest battle of his life. A severe horse-riding accident during a polo tournament in September 2024 has left the ex-Marine and FBI agent paralyzed from the chest down.
Grimm, who once commanded attention in the halls of Congress representing Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, now faces a different kind of challenge at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey. This is the same facility where late actor Christopher Reeve received treatment after his similar horse-riding accident in 1995.
Former New York City Council member Vincent Ignizio, a close friend of Grimm’s, describes polo as “a passion” for the former congressman. “Through the grace of God and the amazing medical teams who have helped him, Mr. Grimm has miraculously threaded the needle to survive,” Ignizio shares.
The road to recovery won’t be easy or cheap. Medical experts estimate the treatment costs will run into millions of dollars. Grimm’s Supplemental Needs Trust set up a GoFundMe campaign that has already raised over $118,000, with an ambitious goal of $2.5 million to support his rehabilitation efforts.
“His ultimate goal is to get himself to walk again,” Ignizio states, highlighting the determination that has marked Grimm’s career through its ups and downs.
The Political Journey Grimm’s path to Congress began with high-profile endorsements from former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former U.S. Rep. Guy Molinari. He served in Congress from 2011 to 2015, but his political career hit a roadblock when he faced legal troubles over his Manhattan restaurant business.
Federal investigators found issues with his tax reporting, leading to a 20-count indictment. Though Grimm won reelection in 2014 while under indictment, he later pleaded guilty to one count of tax fraud and spent eight months in prison. He stepped down from Congress in January 2015.
Life After Congress After serving his sentence, Grimm attempted to revive his political career in 2018. He ran for his old congressional seat but lost the Republican primary to incumbent Rep. Dan Donovan. The seat now belongs to Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, who won it in 2020.
In recent years, Grimm found a new voice as a host on Newsmax. Greg Kelly, a fellow Newsmax anchor and former Marine, initially reported Grimm’s injury, pointing out that the former congressman required neck surgery and was receiving treatment at a Westchester County hospital.
Community Response The response to Grimm’s accident has united friends, former colleagues, and constituents. “For a man who has dedicated his life to helping others, we now humbly ask that you give generously to help him,” reads the GoFundMe page.
As Grimm faces this new chapter, his story serves as a stark reminder of how life can change in an instant. The former congressman who once navigated the complex waters of politics now channels that same fighting spirit into what may be his toughest battle yet—the journey to walk again.