Patrice Tierney Injured in Danvers Car Accident

Patrice Tierney, wife of U.S. Rep. John Tierney (D-Salem), was injured Tuesday morning when her car was struck from behind by another car in Danvers.

Danvers Police Capt. Patrick Ambrose said Patrice Tierney was taken to Beverly Hospital after the 8:21 a.m. crash.

Tierney campaign manager Matt Robison said that Patrice was treated for unspecified injuries and released mid-day. The Boston Herald website showed a photo of Tierney getting into a car with his wife and another unnamed man in the hospital's parking lot.

One other person was taken to the Leahey Clinic in Peabody after the crash and both of the cars involved were towed away, Ambrose said. He said a full report on the cash was not complete and would not be complete until Wednesday. He said he did not have many more details to release.

"Her car was rear-ended at Centre and Hobart streets this morning," Ambrose said. The cash occured near the Highland Elementary School.

Ambrose said he did not have information about the name of the other driver, the type of cars involved or whether any tickets or charges would be issued in connection to the crash.

"It appears that having her seat belt on prevented her injuries from being far more serious," Robinson said. "She and Congressman Tierney thank all who expressed their concern during the last few hours and appreciate the continued thoughts and prayers from friends, family and supporters."

Patrice Tierney has more focus this campaign season than the spouse of most Congressman after serving 30 days in prison and five months house arrest for helping file false tax returns for her brother as he ran an illegal offshore betting company.

Patrice Tierney has been the focus on several campaign TV ads in recent months, including one recent one from the Congressman himself that has him looking straight into the camera and saying he was not involved in his wife's finances.

In a debate earlier this month at Danvers High School, John Tierney said Republican challenger Richard Tisei was attacking Patrice Tierney as a way to get to the Congressman.

Robinson said the campaign would adjust the congressman's schedule for a few days so he could care for his wife.