New Canaan First Selectman Recovering Following Stroke

NEW CANAAN, CT — First Selectman Kevin Moynihan has been hospitalized after suffering a "mild stroke" Easter morning, according to town officials.

During a Board of Selectmen meeting Tuesday morning, Selectman Nick Williams said Moynihan described the medical incident to him as a mild stroke. He also noted Moynihan was currently in the hospital and said the town's thought and prayers were with him and his family.

"It's a hell of a job being first selectman of any town, particularly in this environment," Williams said during the meeting. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin. Get better. He's, I think, done a terrific job as first selectman, and we want him to continue in that role going forward."

Selectman Kathleen Corbet also offered her thoughts and well wishes to Moynihan.

"We wish Kevin good health," Corbet said, "and I know he's on the mend. He's probably watching us [on TV] now."

Williams joked that he hoped, for Moynihan's sake, that was not the case.

"Kevin, turn off the TV," Williams said. "We'll get through this."

Williams' remarks came at the start of the meeting, which was held in person at Town Hall and via videoconference.

Pam Flynn, Moynihan's executive assistant, said in an email to Patch she spoke with the first selectman Tuesday afternoon and noted he was "doing great and feels so lucky to have received quick and excellent treatment."

Flynn also said Moynihan plans to be back at work soon.

In an email sent to town officials Sunday, Moynihan confirmed he was doing well following his medical incident that morning and was recovering in Stamford Hospital's intensive care unit.

"You may already have heard about my eventful Easter Sunday morning," Moynihan said in his email, "but I wanted to tell you personally that I am doing fine and recovering well from the minor stroke event that I experienced at 8 a.m. this morning, which landed me at Stamford Hospital ICU, from where I am writing now."

Moynihan noted he had "received great care from our EMS angels Wendy Fog and Michelle Buscher," and was transported quickly to Stamford Hospital by ambulance.

"We are so lucky to have our EMS volunteers like Wendy and Michelle, and our [police department] officers like Annamaria Ceci, to help us when we need them, even on a holiday Sunday morning," Moynihan said. "Although I had no reason to expect a stroke event, I was lucky to get the immediate treatment that can reverse the effects, and I am feeling fine and almost fully normal."

Moynihan said he hoped to be home soon and able to resume normal activities by the middle of the week, but also noted he was "relaxing and enjoying the beautiful facility and great attention that I am receiving at Stamford Hospital."