LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — District 1 State Senator Tim Melson is at a hospital in Seoul after having a heart attack on a trip to South Korea.

Sen. Melson represents District 1, which covers all of Lauderdale County, a portion of Limestone County and a small section of Madison County.

State Sen. Keith Kelley, who represents Anniston, posted on social media confirming Melson had a heart attack and asking for prayers for his friend.

“I ask for your prayers for my friend Senator Tim Melson. He had a heart attack and we need your prayers for him and his family. Thank you,” Kelley said in a Facebook post.

Secretary of Senate Pat Harris says that Melson and other House members were on an economic development trip to South Korea to find STEM teachers for the Black Belt.

The “massive heart attack” did not happen in Seoul, however, the hospital he was taken to is. Melson is in “serious but stable” condition. Harris added that Sen. Arthur Orr provided CPR until paramedics and ambulances arrived.

Representative Danny Crawford, President of the Limestone County Legislative Delegation, released a statement regarding the medical incident, asking for the public’s continued prayer for Melson and his family.

On behalf of the Limestone County Legislative Delegation, we ask that you keep Senator Tim Melson and his family in your prayers.  Senator Melson suffered a heart attack while on a legislative trip in South Korea.  He has been a valuable asset to our delegation and has led the charge on many issues facing not only Limestone County but the entire state of Alabama.  We appreciate your continued support and hope for a full recovery.

Representative Danny Crawford
President Limestone County Legislative Delegation

Melson’s family is traveling to be with him on Friday while he recovers.