Sen. Creigh Deeds during a gubernatorial debate at the Annandale campus of NOVA on May 19, 2009. Photo by: KJ Mushung

Virginia state Sen. Creigh Deeds, 55, is recovering from multiple stab wounds acquired during a tragic altercation Nov. 19 with his son, Austin “Gus” Deeds, 24. The younger Deeds died that day of what police say appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The senator was released from the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville on Nov. 22. Upon his release he tweeted: “I am alive so must live. Some wounds won’t heal. Your prayers and your friendship are important to me.”

In addition to the tweet, the following message was posted on Deeds’ official website: “The outpouring of support from throughout the Commonwealth and across the United States has been overwhelmingly kind and comforting. Please keep Senator Deeds and his family in your thoughts and prayers. During this difficult time, we thank you for your continued respect for the family’s privacy.”

“In this tough and sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Deeds family,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell in a statement released the day of the attack. “Creigh Deeds is an exceptional and committed public servant who has always done what he believes is best for Virginia and who gives his all to public service… I urge all Virginians… to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Creigh and for many more years of his public service to the Commonwealth.”

Gus is one of Deeds’ four children. He had recently dropped out of the College of William and Mary.

An investigation is ongoing.

By: KJ Mushung

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