SCA Survivors: Where Are They Now?

October 3, 2024

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone. Even to collegiate and professional athletes who are some of the most fit people in the world. When sudden cardiac arrest happens, immediate action is necessary to give the victim the greatest chance of survival. If proper care is given, it is possible for those that suffer SCA to not only survive but thrive! Over the last few years, there have been multiple prominent sudden cardiac arrests. Let’s take a look at those incidents and where the survivors are today!

 

Keyontae Johnson

Date of Sudden Cardiac Arrest:
December 12, 2020
Location:
Florida vs. Florida State basketball game
The story:
Keyontae Johnson, preseason SEC player of the year, collapsed coming out of a timeout early in the game. The University of Florida head athletic trainer responded immediately and started performing CPR. Keyontae was rushed to the hospital and was in a coma for three days. He spent two weeks in the hospital before being released.
Where is he now:
Keyontae is currently a member of the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

 

Christian Eriksen

Date of Sudden Cardiac Arrest:
June 12, 2021
Location:
UEFA Euro 2020 Match vs. Finland
The story:
In the first half of a game against Finland, Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field. Team medical personnel tended to him immediately providing CPR and delivering a shock with an AED. He was awake and responsive when he left the stadium on a stretcher 20 minutes after his collapse.
Where is he now:
Eriksen has an Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) and is currently a mid-fielder for Manchester United of the English Premier League (EPL). He also competes with the Denmark National Team.
 

Damar Hamlin

Date of Sudden Cardiac Arrest:
January 2, 2023
Location:
Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals National Football League (NFL) game
The story:
After making a tackle on Bengals Wide Receiver Tee Higgins, Hamlin stood up and quickly collapsed. He suffered from commotio cordis which is a disruption of heart rhythm that occurs as a result of a blow to the area directly above the heart. Team medical professionals immediately responded providing CPR and using an AED to help save Damar’s life. Damar was rushed to the hospital and was in a coma for 4 days before he woke up and was able to communicate with his family and eventually his teammates.
Where is he now:
Damar is a starting safety for the Buffalo Bills and recorded his first career interception on Monday, September 23, 2024,  against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is a huge advocate for the importance and need for CPR and AEDs to help save more lives from sudden cardiac arrest.

Bronny James

Date of Sudden Cardiac Arrest:
July 24, 2023
Location:
Basketball practice at the University of Southern California
The story:
Bronny James collapsed and suffered sudden cardiac arrest during a basketball practice. Medical staff was able to treat him immediately and he was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where he was released in less than 48-hours. Medical professionals have said the cardiac arrest was caused by a congenital heart defect.
Where is he now:
Bronny James was selected with the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He is currently teammates with his father, Lebron James.

To learn more about Defibtech and to join us on our quest to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest, visit www.Defibtech.com.

Sources:

https://parentheartwatch.org/florida-gators-star-keyontae-johnson-collapses-on-court-in-critical-but-stable-condition/

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/30502823/florida-gators-star-keyontae-johnson-collapses-court

https://amp.theguardian.com/football/blog/2021/jun/20/the-day-denmark-stood-still-christian-eriksens-collapse-and-the-heroes-who-saved-him

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35391812/bills-damar-hamlin-breathing-own-tube-removed?device=featurephone#:~:text=CPR%20was%20administered%20to%20Hamlin,and%20taken%20off%20the%20field.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4806841/2023/08/25/bronny-james-cardiac-arrest-cause/