N.J. Gov. Corzine leaves hospital after accident, begins lengthy rehabilitation process

Tearful, grateful and apologetic, Gov. Jon S. Corzine left the hospital where he was treated for severe injuries suffered in a high-speed auto accident in which he was not wearing a seat belt.

But the governor's recovery is far from over: Medical personnel said he is not likely to be able to walk without crutches or a cane for at least six months, and the governor's mansion is being changed to help his progress.

Corzine drew cheers from a gathering of hospital workers Monday as his wheelchair was pushed out the front door of Cooper University Hospital, where he had arrived aboard a medical helicopter after the April 12 crash on the Garden State Parkway.

Corzine, 60, choked up as he acknowledged the medical staff's work and apologized for setting a bad example by not wearing a seat belt.

"I certainly hope the state will forgive me. And I'll work very hard to set the right kind of example," Corzine said.

Two of his children, Jennifer Pasani and Jeffrey Corzine, stood behind him and occasionally rubbed his shoulders as he spoke. His girlfriend, Sharon Elghanayan, also was with him.

"I could not be more grateful for the support I've had, all the people of the state," Corzine said. "Nothing counts more in life than those people who care about you all the time, in the moments of joy and the moments of pain."

Corzine then was helped into a van for the one-hour trip to the governor's mansion in Princeton, where his physical therapy will continue. Corzine, a multimillionaire, paid for the van and also is personally paying for his medical treatment.

The governor's SUV was being driven by a state trooper at 91 mph when it was clipped by a truck and slammed into a guard rail on the Garden State Parkway. Corzine was not wearing a seat belt, which is a violation of state law, but he has not been cited. The trooper driving him wore a seat belt and walked away from the crash. No one has been charged.

The governor fractured his left thigh and broke 11 ribs, his breastbone and other bones. Doctors operated on him three times and inserted a metal rod to stabilize his leg.

The governor's mansion, parts of which date to 1835, is being retrofitted both to accommodate Corzine's rehabilitation and to allow him to conduct state business from there.

Corzine spokesman Anthony Coley said a portable chair lift will help Corzine move between floors. An outdoor pool will be heated for Corzine's use during therapy, and exercise equipment will be installed, Coley said.

The mansion also has been equipped to allow Corzine to hold video conferences with staff members back at the Statehouse in Trenton.

For now, Senate President Richard J. Codey will remain as acting governor until Corzine feels able to resume his duties.

"The governor is in no hurry," Coley said.