David Ortiz underwent a third surgery for his gunshot wound, his wife says

CNNWire
Friday, July 12, 2019
AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
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Former Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz has had a third surgery, coming weeks after a gunman shot him in the back in his native Dominican Republic, his wife said in a statement Thursday.

"Earlier this week, David underwent a third surgery for complications resulting from his gunshot wound," Tiffany Ortiz said. "The operation was performed by Dr. David King at Massachusetts General Hospital. David is recovering well and is in good spirits."

A gunman shot Ortiz in the lower back on June 9 while he was sitting on a crowded bar patio in Santo Domingo. The bullet passed through him, perforating his intestines and internal organs. It then hit his friend, TV talk-show host Jhoel Lopez, in the leg.

RELATED: David Ortiz in good condition, out of intensive care: Wife

Following surgery in the Dominican Republic, Ortiz was flown to Boston, where he underwent a second operation. On June 22, Tiffany Ortiz said her husband was moved out of intensive care.

Authorities in the Dominican Republic say Ortiz was not the intended target of the shooting.

RELATED: Video shows moment David 'Big Papi' Ortiz, former Red Sox slugger, shot in back at Dominican Republic bar

David Ortiz shot in the back at Dominican Republic bar. Watch the report from Action News Mornings on June 10, 2019.

A friend of Ortiz -- who shared a table with him at the bar -- was the target of the bungled hit, according to Attorney General Jean Alain Rodriguez Sanchez.

Several people have been arrested, including Victor Hugo Gomez Vasquez, the alleged mastermind of the plot.

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