Ex-president George H.W. Bush taken to hospital

Former US leader experiences 'shortness of breath,' but does not appear to be in any danger

By AP 24 December 2014, 6:13 am
Former US president George H.W. Bush and his wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, arrive for the premiere of HBO's new documentary on his life near the family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine, on Tuesday, June 12, 2012. (photo credit: Charles Krupa/AP)

HOUSTON — Former US President George H.W. Bush has been taken to a Houston hospital after experiencing a shortness of breath.

Spokesman Jim McGrath said in a statement that Bush was taken by ambulance to Houston Methodist Hospital on Tuesday evening as a precaution.

McGrath says the 90-year-old Bush “will be held for observation, again as a precaution.”

Bush spent nearly two months in the same hospital and was discharged in January 2013 after treatment for a bronchitis-related cough and other health issues.

Bush, who can no longer use his legs, most recently appeared seated in a wheelchair at an event in November at Texas A&M University with his son, former President George W. Bush.

In June, the elder Bush celebrated his 90th birthday by making a tandem parachute jump near his summer home in Maine.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.

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