Jay Leno Hospitalized After Accident—Here’s Everything We Know So Far

Jay Leno is updating concerned fans about his condition and health status after enduring a “serious medical emergency” that prevented him from performing earlier this week. The longtime former NBC Tonight Show host, 72, shared in a statement with People Magazine that he is currently recovering after obtaining “serious burns” in a recent car-related fire. In the statement, the comedian said,”I got some serious burns from a gasoline fire. I am ok. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.”

Details About Leno’s Accident From Burbank Fire Department Press Release

As noted in a press release from the Burbank Fire Department (which was obtained by People), this incident occurred on November 12th around 12:30 p.m. Officials explained that they arrived on scene, where they “assessed and treated one adult male patient” before then transporting him to “a local emergency department.”

A spokesperson for the Grossman Burn Center, Aimee Bennett, also issued a statement to the publication, and confirmed that the You Bet Your Life host was being treated there after the incident, which took place in his garage. “Jay wants everyone to know that he is in stable condition and receiving treatment … for burns that he received to his face and hands from a gasoline accident in his garage over the weekend,” Bennett said. She added, “He is in good humor and is touched by all the inquiries into his condition and well wishes. [He] wants to let everyone know he is doing well and is in ‘the best burn center in the United States.'”

Leno’s Employee Shares More Information About The Incident

While it’s still unclear what exactly transpired in Leno’s garage, we do know that Leno was working underneath a vehicle when it occurred. George Swift, who identified himself as a 15-year employee for Leno, spoke with Access Hollywood to give another recent update. Swift assured fans that Leno was doing much better. “He’s a tough guy, he’s going to be fine,” Swift said, “It’s nothing life-threatening. He’s in great spirits, but you know, it’s going to take awhile.”

When Swift was asked how Leno was injured, he said that the Last Man Standing actor was working on a steam car in his garage, and it caught fire. “Steam is made by gas, and he got sprayed with some gas and it ignited,” he added. Swift also said that while he was not present when Leno was injured, he was soon notified about the accident by Leno himself. “He called me and told me there was a fire and the fire department’s coming,” he said, adding that Leno was fully conscious and currently receiving “the best care at a burn center.”

Leno’s Doctor Shares Footage Of His Treatment

Dr. Peter Grossman, who is currently treating Leno, and is the medical director at the Grossman Burn Center, announced on November 16th during a press conference that his patient is going through several sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy due to some of his burns being “a little deeper and a little more concerning.” According to the facility’s website, this treatment option can “accelerate burn wound healing by increasing oxygen supply to injured areas and reducing swelling, which is helpful in maintaining healthy blood flow.” Leno (whose face was not visible) could also be seen in a video obtained by Inside Edition that showed the star wrapped in bandages while laying inside of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber while receiving treatment.

Grossman also said during the press conference that Mavis Leno is “obviously very concerned” about her husband of 42 years. “She’s by his side,” Grossman added of Leno’s wife, “They have a very close relationship, and she’s doing as well as you can expect a wife who is concerned about her husband.” The doctor also described Leno as an “ideal patient” during his hospitalization, and said, “He’s been a remarkable kind and engaging patient.”

Grossman continued, “He passed out cookies to children in the burn unit. Mr. Leno has been very open about sharing information with you.” The surgeon elaborated, “He’s Jay Leno — he’s walking around and cracking jokes. He’s incredibly kind to our nursing staff. He’s very compliant. He’s very appreciative of everyone here and really an ideal patient and one who understands the seriousness of his injury.”

On November 13th, fans began expressing their worries for Leno online after he canceled a scheduled Las Vegas performance due to a “serious medical emergency” (which we now know was the aforementioned accident). Leno was set to perform at The Financial Brand Forum 2022, and fans received an email from The Financial Brand that read, “His family was not able to provide us very many details, but there was a very serious medical emergency that is preventing Jay from traveling.” The message continued, “All we know is that he is alive, so our prayers go out to him and his family tonight.”