MADRAS, OR -- The Mayor of Madras was hospitalized in serious condition, Wednesday. According to the Jefferson County Sheriff, Mayor Richard Ladeby collapsed just before noon at the Madras Golf Course. Another golfer started CPR while medics and Life Flight were dispatched.
Ladeby was flown to St. Charles Bend and, as of Wednesday night, was in ICU, according to Sheriff Jim Adkins' social media post. An updated condition was not available, Thursday. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is released.
Ladeby was elected Mayor in November, after serving on City Council.
UPDATE (9:00 a.m.) The city of Madras issued the following statement on Facebook, Thursday morning: "Our Mayor, Richard Ladeby, suffered a medical emergency on May 1, 2019. While he is recuperating, Council President Bartt Brick will serve as Interim Mayor until Mayor Ladeby can return to his position on Council. We appreciate the community's outpouring of support and prayers for Mayor Ladeby and his family during this time."
UPDATE (05/03/19) The city of Madras issued the following statement Friday morning, updating the public on Mayor Ladeby's condition:
Mayor Richard Ladeby made great strides in his recovery last night. “I spoke with the Mayor this morning and he was in good spirits. He and his wife appreciate everyone’s support while he continues his recovery,” stated Police Chief Tanner Stanfill. It is anticipated that he will remain under medical care for some time. Therefore, Council Chair, Bartt Brick, will continue as Interim Mayor until Mayor Ladeby returns to his seat.
Many things can be attributed to Mayor Ladeby’s successful recovery including quick and capable response of emergency medical staff and law enforcement, the transport and care given by air medical, but also hands-only CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) provided by a willing bystander which greatly increased his chance of survival. Mayor Ladeby benefitted from all of these interventions and we, along with his family and friends, are extremely grateful.
Hands-only CPR is something everyone can do and we encourage our community to become trained in this vital, life-saving technique. You never know when, where, or who you might be able to help. It was definitely a link in the chain of survival for our Mayor. The American Heart Association has some great videos available on their website to help you learn. This is one of our favorites: Video
If you would like to send a note of encouragement to Mayor Ladeby, please mail or drop them off at City Hall, 125 SW “E” Street, Madras 97741 and we’ll make sure he receives them.
