HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, NL — Mayor John Hickey is in stable but critical condition in hospital tonight, following a hunting accident earlier today.

The Town of Happy Valley Goose Bay issued a press release just one hour ago, stating, “Deputy Mayor Wally Anderson confirms … Hickey was involved in a hunting accident this afternon and remains in critical, but stable condition at the Labrador Health Centre.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mayor Hickey and his family at this time,” said Anderson.

Sources inside the Town confirmed to the Labradorian that Hickey was shot in the face while out checking traps alone. He was reportedly shot under the chin and is in critical, but stable condition in St. John’s.

How the gun went off is unclear but Hickey managed to make his way to the road and get help.

Lake Melville MHA Perry Trimper posted on Facebook the community will now need to summon it’s inner strength to support the Mayor, his family, and the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Town Council. He also praised the medical team who took car eof Hickey.

“Special thanks to all those involved in getting him to the hospital and for those who prepared him for the medi-vac to St John’s,” Trimper wrote. “The paramedics, nurses and doctors are amazed at the ‘strength’ of this man, after all that he has been through in this accident. Our thoughts and prayers will now be needed to help John with his recovery.”

HIckey was a memebr of the House of Assembly from 2003 to 2011 and became mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay this past fall.