AVON — A Republican contender for governor in Connecticut was rushed to the hospital after suddenly collapsing during a meet-and-greet event in Avon..
Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton suffered a medical episode Thursday evening
An eyewitness said Boughton passed out suddenly at around 8:15 p.m. and 911 was called immediately. They said EMS crews arrived on-scene within two minutes and began performing CPR and Republican State Rep. Prasad Srinivasan, who is an allergist, assisted the EMTs at the scene. They said Prasad announced to the anxious crowd that it looked like he had a seizure, and that he had a “very, very feeble pulse”, and that they were taking him to the hospital.
Boughton’s campaign sent a statement at around 10 p.m. saying:
“Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton fell ill at an event in Avon this evening. He is currently resting comfortably at UCONN Health Center in Farmington.”
The eyewitness said Boughton was “looking a lot better” after he was taken by ambulance, he believes the prognosis will be good.
State GOP Chair J.R. Romano said he was hearing that Boughton was “okay.” The Connecticut GOP party tweeted, “#CTGov candidates running for office in #CT put a lot of their time making sure they visit voters because they care about #Connecticut’s future. @MayorMark has overcome many challenges in the past & our thoughts are with @TeamBoughton tonight.
Boughtonunderwent brain surgery to remove a noncancerous tumor from behind his ear last year. He rejoined the political scene a month afterward.
Photos from the Avon Republicans earlier in the evening were posted to Facebook. GOP candidates for statewide office were gathered for a meet and greet.