Republican presidential candidate and former Gov. George Pataki postponed a scheduled trip to New Hampshire on Thursday after his son-in-law suffered a life-threatening stroke while aboard a flight, his campaign announced.
The campaign announced that Pataki's son-in-law, Dr. David Levi, had a stroke while aboard the flight from Chicago to Seattle on Tuesday evening. Levi and his wife, Allison Pataki, were flying for a vacation before the birth of their first child.
The plane was diverted to Fargo, North Dakota, where Levi was placed in intensive care before being taken to another hospital back in Chicago.
"This episode is a shock to us all, as David, only 30 years of age, is a strong young man who enjoyed excellent health," the former governor and his family said in a statement. "We are praying for his recovery and welcome everyone's prayers and good wishes."
Pataki postponed his events abruptly on Wednesday, citing a "family emergency." He was scheduled to do a radio interview, followed by a tour of downtown Manchester.
He is next scheduled to visit the state on June 15 for the New Hampshire Federation of Republican Women's Lilac Luncheon in Concord.
Pataki officially announced his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination at Exeter Town Hall on May 28.
