Newspaper editor injured while covering story - KXLT - Fox 47 Rochester MN News, Weather and Sports

LANESBORO, Minn. (FOX 47) -- A regional newspaper editor is hospitalized after falling more than 20 feet from a bridge while on the job.

Lisa Brainard of the Republican-Leader was in Lanesboro Wednesday covering the annual wagon ride on the Root River Trail.

We're told she was sitting on a bridge beam with a leg on each side preparing to take a photo of the wagons. As one wagon drew closer, it is unclear if she had moved one leg to get out of the way to get a better shot. Brainard fell 24 feet into the shallow Root River face down.

Mayo One responded with Lanesboro rescue crews.

Brainard is making progress at Saint Marys Hospital as her coworkers are wishing her a strong recovery.

"Her friend has been up there with her and posting things on Facebook, so we're getting updates that way," said David Phillips, publisher of Bluff Country Newspaper Group. "And it sounds like she's getting antsy which is a good sign because she always was on the go."

According to Phillips, Brainard suffered some broken ribs, a broken hand, cheekbone, and a bruised aorta which she had surgery on Thursday. Phillips said the surgery went well.

Brainard has been working with the newspaper for 11 years.