(WINSTON-SALEM) – Doctors for Rep. Larry Womble, a nine-term representative to the N.C. House are "cautiously optimistic," after a surgery Saturday at Wake Forest Baptist Mdical Center. A family spokeswoman confirmed on Monday that Womble was still in stable but critical condition.

Womble was seriously injured Friday night in a head-on collision in which the other driver, David Allen Carmichael, 54, was killed. The two-car crash happened at 11:06 p.m. Friday in the 2600 block of Reynolds Park Road in Winston-Salem. The investigation into the crash could take several days to complete, said Police Chief Scott Cunningham.

Womble has been a state legislator since 1995. Gov. Bev Perdue issued a statement on behalf of herself and her husband Saturday morning: "Bob and I send our thoughts and prayers to Larry Womble and his family, as we pray for his recovery and for strength and comfort for his family, as well as for the family of Mr. Carmichael."

House Speaker Thom Tillis, R-Mecklenburg, issued this statement Saturday morning:
"My thoughts and prayers are with Rep. Womble and his family following this tragic accident. I am closely monitoring the situation, and will continue to do so. I know I speak for the other members of the General Assembly in saying that we will support Rep. Womble and his family in any way possible."