Breaking News: Jerry Falwell Hospitalized in Grave Condition

The Rev. Jerry Falwell has been reported to be hospitalized "in gravely serious" condition. He was found Tuesday in his office, unconscious, according to school officials.

The university's executive vice president, Ron Godwin, says that Falwell, who is 73 years old, was found unresponsive around 10:45 a.m. and was transported to Lynchburg General hospital. No one is sure yet what caused his collapse, but Falwell has had a history of heart problems.

"I had breakfast with him, and he was fine at breakfast," Godwin was quoted as saying. "He went to his office, I went to mine, and they found him unresponsive."

A hospital spokeswoman who was contacted had no comment at this time. Godwin has said that Falwell was receiving emergency care.

Jerry Falwell is a popular television evangelist. He founded the Moral Majority, and became the face of the religious rights in the 1980's. Later, he founded the conservative Liberty University and presently serves as its president. He has already survived to health issues in early 2005. He developed a viral infection and spent over two weeks in a hospital. A few weeks later he was again hospitalized after going into respiratory arrest. Then again that same year, doctors found a 70 percent artery blockage, which was opened up with stents.

Liberty University's commencement is still scheduled for this Saturday. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich is to be the featured speaker.

originally reported by the Associated Press
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070515/ap_on_re_us/jerry_falwell