OMAHA, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Nebraska Lt. Gov. Rick Sheey's son was recovering from surgery after he accidentally shot himself in the face with his handgun, officials said.
Joel R. Sheey, 21, was recovering from a surgery to repair broken bones in his jaw and cheek after what officials called an accidental self-inflicted shooting at his Omaha apartment, the Omaha World Herald reported.
Authorities said the injuries are not life threatening. Sheey will have a second surgery Friday.
Rescuers were called to Sheey's apartment just before 2 a.m. Wednesday after receiving a call someone had been shot. Officials said Sheey accidentally shot himself in the face with his Glock 9mm handgun.
"Connie and I, and our entire family, deeply appreciate the support and prayers," Rick Sheey said in a statement. "We feel incredibly blessed that Joel's injuries are not life-threatening. While recovery will take time, we feel fortunate that Joel is receiving excellent medical care and that he will be OK."
Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated and did not say if drugs were involved. Sheehy is a senior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
