MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. (WHNT) – A local elementary school principal is in intensive care in Huntsville Hospital after a weekend boating accident.

Friends said Jason Simmons and his wife Anna were returning from a fishing trip on Wilson Lake Sunday when they were both thrown from their boat.

The campus of Webster Elementary School in Muscle Shoals was still on Tuesday as faculty and students remained concerned for Simmons.  On Monday, they learned about the boating accident in which he and his wife Anna were both injured.

Superintendent Brian Lindsey has worked with Simmons for several years in the school system.

“I immediately drove to Huntsville to be with Jason and his family there,” Lindsey said.

Friends said the accident happened about 7:30 Sunday evening.

The couple had finished fishing and was returning to Anna’s parents’ home when the boat made a sudden turn.

After being ejected, Jason noticed the boat heading towards them and pushed his wife out of the way and was then hit by the propeller.

Injured, they were both able to get back into the boat and to shore.

Lindsey said Jason will likely have to have several surgeries to repair the injuries.

“From what they have initially said it’s going to be a long recovery process,” explained Lindsey. “But we will be there with him, we will support him and Webster will be fine.”

Anna Simmons was treated for minor injuries and released from Helen Keller Hospital.

At last report, Jason Simmons was listed in critical condition in Huntsville Hospital’s intensive care unit.

The Alabama Marine Police are investigating the boating accident.