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Gov. Abbott Hospitalized for Serious Burns

The governor underwent a skin graft procedure Tuesday at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is recovering after undergoing a skin graft procedure Tuesday.

He sustaining severe burns on his legs and feet last week while on vacation in Wyoming.

Abbott is being treated for second- and third-degree burns at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Doctors on Monday found a minor infection that developed as a result of the burns.

The governor had been expected to be released Tuesday, but he will remain hospitalized to continue his treatment, according to an updated statement from the governor's office.

Recovery from the burn injury prevented Abbott from attending Tuesday's memorial service at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas for the five police officers killed last week. Texas first lady Cecilia Abbott attended on her husband's behalf.

Matt Hirsch, a spokesman for the governor, said Abbott suffered the burns on his legs and feet after accidentally coming in contact with scalding water while he was on a family vacation in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Abbott was planning to curtail his events for treatment of the burns, but when Thursday's shooting that killed five police officers occurred, the governor told his doctors and staff to find a way to get him to Dallas.

"His first words to us were, 'I've got to come back,'" Hirsch said.

He appeared at a news conference on Friday afternoon along with Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and several other elected officials. He did not disclose his injuries at the appearance.

Hirsch says Abbott's legs were wrapped but covered by pants during Friday's visit to Dallas.

While Abbott's trip to Dallas affected the burns, he said if he had to do it again, he would make same decision.

Abbott has used a wheelchair since a tree fell on him while jogging in 1984, paralyzing him below the waist.

Recovery from the burns will prevent the governor from attending next week's Republican National Convention.

Hirsch told The Associated Press on Tuesday that doctors said it would be "irresponsible" for Abbott to travel to Cleveland. He'd been set to head the convention's Texas delegation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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