WILMINGTON – Mayor Mike Purzycki underwent heart bypass surgery Dec. 30 at ChristianaCare Hospital, his office reported.
The mayor reportedly came through the surgery well and is in recovery. The sudden serious surgery was required following the mayor’s recent annual physical, and further testing this week that indicated a serious blockage of his coronary arteries. The surgery began at approximately 7:30 a.m. and concluded early in the afternoon.
Chief of Staff Tanya 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 on Wednesday morning in the event a matter of city government needed immediate attention.
Purzycki, who is 75 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, Jan. 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. He 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.
