Melson in critical condition after heart attack

State Senator Tim Melson, R-Florence, is in critical condition after suffering a heart attack in a coffee shop while on a business recruiting trip in South Korea.

Melson had to be resuscitated by State Senator Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, who also was on the legislative trip. He has been transfered to a hospital in Seoul.

Melson, who is a liver t transplant recipient, is a retired anesthesiologist who practiced at Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield.

Melson was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 and 2022.

State Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia, said he has spoken with Melson's family and is praying for his recovery."We spent a lot of time working together the last 30 years," Stutts said. "I've been praying for him since it happened and wish nothing but a good outcome."