Billy Graham released from hospital after fall

Published: Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008 12:15 a.m. MDT
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Evangelist Billy Graham was released from a hospital Saturday, sore and bruised but not seriously injured, after he tripped and fell over one of his dogs at his North Carolina home, hospital officials said.

The 89-year-old Graham stayed overnight at Mission Hospital in Asheville with discomfort and bruising. X-rays showed no broken bones, spokeswoman Merrell Gregory said in a news release.

For six decades, Graham led a worldwide crusade-based ministry that packed stadiums with believers and allowed him to counsel every U.S. president since Harry Truman.

The Southern Baptist minister fell late Friday at his home in Montreat, N.C.

The accident happened when Graham bent over to pet Sam, his golden retriever, and the dog got under his feet, Graham spokesman Larry Ross said.

"He's a loyal dog. He follows Mr. Graham wherever he goes," Ross said. The dog was a gift two years ago from friends of one of Graham's children, Ross added.

The hospital offered to let Graham go home after the X-rays, but the evangelist decided to stay overnight because it was so late, Ross said.

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