LA Councilman Curren Price suffers 'health-related incident' at groundbreaking event

LA City councilmember suffers medical emergency

Los Angeles Councilmember Curren D. Price, Jr. suffered a medical emergency while at the groundbreaking for the expansion of the LA Convention Center on Wednesday.

LOS ANGELES - A groundbreaking in downtown Los Angeles took an unexpected turn after a member of the city council suffered a medical emergency. 

What we know:

Around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, LA City Councilman Curren Price was hospitalized after suffering an unspecified health issue at the groundbreaking ceremony at the LA Convention Center, officials said. 

FOX 11's ground crew captured the moment Price was carted off in a wheelchair and taken into an ambulance at the scene. 

Among medical personnel at the event, LA Mayor Karen Bass, who is a former nurse, went to assist as he appeared to become dizzy while watching people speak. 

FOX 11's Koco McAboy said Price, a supporter of the expansion project, gave his speech before appearing to be in distress. Price spoke about the positives and how it would be great for the city. 

As he was wheeled away toward the ambulance, McAboy said he was smiling while getting medical attention. After receiving medical attention, a spokesperson said Price was suffering from dehydration.

RELATED:

• As LA pushes $2.6B Convention Center expansion, critics ask why other landmarks sit neglected
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The 74-year-old has served as a councilmember since 2013, representing District 9, which includes South LA and a portion of downtown.

There was a brief pause in the ceremony before organizers decided to continue. 

What they're saying:

"During today's groundbreaking for the expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center, Council member Curren Price experienced a health-related incident," Price spokeswoman Angelina Valencia-Dumarot said in a statement. "After undergoing initial evaluations, medical experts determined that he was suffering from dehydration. Out of an abundance of caution, he will continue to be monitored.

Valencia-Dumarot provided an updated statement Thursday, saying Price remains hospitalized.

"Councilmember Curren Price is resting and recovering, while staying fully engaged with his staff to ensure the work of serving District 9 continues without interruption. He remains focused on the meaningful issues that matter to neighbors, mobilizing after a recent fire, connecting residents with jobs at next week’s Fall Call for Completion Job Fair, and preparing for the Inaugural Latino Carnaval in South Central on Oct. 11 at South Park—a historic celebration of culture, music, and family that reflects the heart of our community."

Dig deeper:

In 2023, Price was charged with multiple public corruption counts. He is due in court Nov. 3 to determine if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial. 

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