‘I’m lucky to be here’: Gordon Ramsay gives important Father’s Day message after bike accident

FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2017, file photo, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay arrives at night one of the Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Ramsay will open a steakhouse this summer at Harrah’s casino in Atlantic City. Gordon Ramsay Steak is set to open Memorial Day weekend.(Richard Shotwell | Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
Published: Jun. 16, 2024 at 4:11 PM EDT|Updated: Jun. 16, 2024 at 8:08 PM EDT

NEW LONDON, CT (WFSB/Gray News) - Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay gave an important Father’s Day message after he had a “bad” bike accident in Connecticut.

In a post made to his X page, formerly known as Twitter, Ramsay reminded people to wear a helmet when riding bikes.

“I’d like to share a very important message with you all,” he said. “You know how much I love cycling... this week, unfortunately, I had a really bad accident. And it really shook me. And honestly, I’m lucky to be here.”

Ramsay did not say where the accident happened but said he received care from L&M Hospital in New London. He thanked the doctors, nurses, and trauma surgeons who took care of him.

“They were amazing,” Ramsay said. “But honestly, you’ve got to wear a helmet. I don’t care how short the journey is, I don’t care the fact that these helmets cost money, but they are crucial. Even with the kids, with a short journey, they’ve got to wear a helmet.”

Ramsay also revealed a large area of discoloring on his abdomen.

He said he’s still in pain, and it has been a “brutal week,” but he wanted to wish all fathers and new fathers a happy Father’s Day.

In a statement, L&M Hospital said, “Bike accidents are a common injury we see in the Emergency Department, especially during the summer months when people are more active. Wearing the right equipment, especially a helmet, can significantly reduce the likelihood of serious injury. Helmets decrease the risk of head injury by 48%, serious head injury by 60%, traumatic brain injury by 53%, face injury by 23%, and the total number of killed or seriously injured cyclists by 34%.”