Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki today underwent heart bypass surgery at Christiana Care Hospital, according to a statement released by his office. The Mayor came through the surgery well and is in recovery. Mayor Purzycki recently had his annual physical, and further testing this week indicated a serious blockage of his coronary arteries. The surgery began at approximately 7:30 this morning and concluded early this afternoon.
Chief of Staff Tanya Washington and senior staff have been communicating with the Mayor in recent days regarding his test results and learned from him last night in a telephone call that surgery had been scheduled for this morning. Washington said the Mayor was in good spirits last night even though he was not looking forward to having major surgery. Still, the Mayor understood how important it was to have the procedure completed as soon as possible.
Washington said all affairs of government will continue normally with the Mayor fully in control and giving directions and guidance from the hospital and then eventually from home as he recovers from the surgery. Per the City Charter, City Council President Hanifa Shabazz was notified of the Mayor’s surgery this morning in the event a matter of City government needed immediate attention.
Mayor Purzycki, who is 75 years old and works out regularly, is otherwise in good health and is expected to make a full recovery. The Mayor was re-elected to a second four-year term in November and will be sworn-in virtually on Tuesday, January 5, per the City Charter. The Mayor told staff last night that he will take the oath of office on Tuesday, either at the hospital or at home as circumstances dictate. The Mayor also offered a message last night stressing the importance of everyone continuing to pay attention to their individual and family health needs and to follow the advice of medical professionals to have tests and/or undergo treatment as needed.
Source: Mayors Office
