Updated on Oct. 3.

Port of Grays Harbor Commissioner Jack Thompson has been hospitalized in Santiago, Chile, after hitting his head in a fall.

Thompson is in Chile for meetings with the American Association of Port Authorities, an organization of ports in the United States, Canada and South America.

Port Executive Director Gary Nelson said Wednesday morning that Thompson’s condition had worsened and that he is considered to be in critical condition.

Thompson was with his wife Trish when he had the fall.

“From what we know, they were out for a walk at a park and he tripped and fell and hit his head,” said Nelson.

Nelson said Thompson is in a private clinic and that family members were going to Chile.

“Here, we’re all praying for him and a speedy recovery,” Nelson said.

Thompson, who is in his 80s, is president of the three-person Port Commission and has been to the association of port authorities meetings off and on over 30 years on the commission.

Thompson lives in Aberdeen and is a longtime businessman. He sold explosives and rented heavy equipment, mostly to the logging and construction industries.