PALMDALE – Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford, who suffered a heart attack Sunday evening, was previously believed to be in good condition and resting comfortably. However, further testing Monday morning revealed more damage to the heart than originally thought. Ledford is currently in the Intensive Care Unit of Antelope Valley Hospital.
“The initial assessment was a little bit optimistic,” said Palmdale Councilman Tom Lackey late Monday morning. “They were able to determine that the damage to his heart is significant. I’m not sure exactly what that means at this point, but he is still in a critical stage and we’re all worried.”
As The AV Times reported Sunday, Ledford was a guest speaker at the 17th Annual Candlelight Ceremony held at the Lancaster Cemetery, which was presented by Antelope Valley Detachment #930 Marine Corps League.
Ledford appeared in good spirits. He said he’d come to the Lancaster event to honor his father, who was a career Marine. Ledford also spoke of his duty as a community leader.
“It’s pretty simple as a leader of a community to do your duty, your duty really is showing up for stuff like this,” Ledford said. “This is what leaders are supposed to be about, leading the community to show their support for veterans.”
After delivering his remarks, Ledford reported feeling light headed, having shortness of breath and experiencing pain in the chest. Some marines, who had some previous medical training and were talking to the Mayor after his remarks, saw that something was not right and quickly called for an ambulance. Ledford was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital.
At the hospital, Ledford underwent a series of tests that showed blockage in the main artery to the heart. An angioplasty procedure was performed and the Mayor was awake and talking afterwards. Doctors initially felt that the rest of the time would be left monitoring the Mayor to see how he recovered.
Lackey said he spoke to Ledford’s wife, Rachelle, late Monday morning and was told that the Mayor was still experiencing discomfort. Lackey was visibly emotional as he spoke about hearing the most recent news.
“He’s a good man, and having had family members go through this I know what it entails,” Lackey said. “You hate to see good people facing life threatening situations.”
Lackey said he had visited Ledford at the hospital Sunday night, and even then, Ledford was thinking of others before himself.
“The entire time I witnessed him, he was not expressing how he was feeling other than the fact that he was apologizing,” Lackey said. “So that shows you what kind of man he is.”
“He has been my political ally and friend for more than 20 years, so to hear something that shocking about a person that really is a picture of health, it was alarming,” said close friend Sandy Corrales-Eneix. “It’s been a tough year for our Palmdale political family, with Patricia Shaw and now with the Mayor… it hurt me and it hit me especially hard.”
“On a scale of 1 to 10, the heart attack was a 7.5,” said Lackey in a City news release. “For the next three days it is very important that the Mayor gets plenty of rest and builds up his strength.”
The AV Times will bring you more information on the Mayor’s condition as it becomes available.
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Brad Hayes says
We missed our “Meet and Greet” with Mayor Jim Ledford Tuesday. The community is praying for our Mayor and his family. It will be great to see him return when the time is right.
Penny Hogan says
I was shocked and saddened by the news last Sunday and wish you a full and speedy recovery!You have been in my prayers every day Sir. You are a great and much needed example of great leadership in the Antelope Valley…..I always enjoyed how approachable and genuine you are when I see you at Thursday Night on the Square!Please be well soon.
Beverly Williams says
Dear Mr. Ledford,
All of our city and volunteer ceremonies would not be the same without your smiling face and consant attendance. Please get well soon and I will say a special prayer for you daily.
yigal says
Dear Mr Ledford,
Get well soon, I have known you for more the 25 years, I wish you a quick and healthy recovery. Please get well asap, the city is needs your leadership to the beautiful future that you have put the ground work.
John Mlynar says
There will be a prayer vigil for Mayor Ledford on Wednesday, May 30 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Gazebo in Poncitlan Square, across from Palmdale City Hall. Your good thoughts, prayers and positivity will be appreciated!
Eva Eveland says
Jim,
Get well soon, your in my prayers. Let yourself recover. You have great people looking out for you.
AV Town Crier says
My thoughts are truly with the Mayor and his family. He has give so much (for so little) for the folks in Palmdale. As stated above, he is one of the great leaders in this country. We need more like him.
Joan Gray says
Continuing to pray for you and the entire family for a full and speedy recovery. Stay strong and positive my friend! God bless you!!
Antoinette Forde says
Thinking of you and your family at this time Mayor Ledford. May you have a fast and speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alan Stufflebeam says
Jim, its been a while since we have talked. Being that I have gone through this fight as you are now it is important to keep your spirit high, and that positive attitude you have always had to win this fight. Prayers for you my friend.
William says
Although I’m not religious, I will keep Mayor Ledford in my thoughts till he is fully recovered. I’ve only met him in person several times and hearing the news on TWC Channel 3 a few minutes ago, it hit me like he was family.
He is much more than a great mayor of Palmdale. I am proud of being a Palmdale resident knowing that he has been hugely committed to our city and surrounding communities.
My thoughts are with his family and loved ones who are so fortunate to have him in their lives.
david G says
he is a good man and deserves every ones support and prayers get well soon Mr.Mayor.
Abdul Majeed Askia says
I have known Mayor Jim Ledford for over twenty years, and I can say
without a doubt, he is one of americas finest leaders who truly care
about people and the country he serves. My prayers go out for him
and his family.Abdul Majeed Askia
William says
I fully agree, Abdul. He is the best.
ed says
Jim, we need you. Get well, Ed & Lilia Galindo
Brenda Lynne Allen-Spruill says
My entire family is praying for you Mr. Ledford. May God wrap His loving arms around you and heal you completely.
In His Love,
Brenda Lynne Allen-Spruill
and Family
Edward Mooney, Jr. says
Jim Ledford has given tirelessly to the City of Palmdale for decades. I’m sending my prayers up for a speedy and strong recovery. We love you, Jim. May God provide for your health, my friend!
David Cox says
Continuing to pray for Mayor Ledford and family. I will network within my church, Grace Chapel, to spread the need for prayer for Jim Ledford’s recovery and full return to health. His willingness as a local political leader to listen to others and to extend himself for the good of the community is an all too uncommon quality that is to be appreciated.
Pastor Mark Schweitzer says
The Faith Community Church of Palmdale family is praying!
Stinger says
Jim is a good man and I hope that he makes a full recovery very quickly. My thoughts are with him and his family.
John Mlynar says
Please keep Mayor Ledford and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.
Elva Espinoza says
My prayers for the mayor to recover nd to his family during this challenging time. God bless you!