A Utah State University football player is the intensive care unit in the hospital after suffering “non-traumatic sudden cardiac arrest” while practicing on Thursday. However, his condition has recently improved from “critical” to “fair.”
Josh Davis is the student athlete now in the hospital. He is a redshirt freshman from California and collapsed on the field during Thursday’s practice. From there, he was first taken to Logan Regional Hospital for emergency treatment and was then transported to McKay-Dee Hospital.
Utah State University, in its statement on his condition, said:
“Josh Davis, a football player for Utah State, has been upgraded from critical to fair condition as of Friday morning following a non-traumatic sudden cardiac arrest during Thursday’s spring practice on Merlin Olsen Field at Maverick Stadium.
“Davis, who is currently in the intensive care unit at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, has been taken off life-sustaining medical devices and is breathing on his own.
“Davis, a redshirt freshman wide receiver from Carlsbad, California, collapsed during practice on Thursday and was immediately treated by USU’s athletic training staff, led by Mike Williams, associate athletics director for sports medicine, followed by emergency medical personnel, who transported him to Logan Regional Hospital.
“Davis received initial critical treatment and was stabilized at Logan Regional Hospital before being transported to McKay-Dee Hospital, where their critical care Team continued treatment with therapeutic hypothermia to lower the body temperature to preserve his neurological function.
“Davis’ parents, Matt and Chrissy, arrived in Utah Thursday evening, and were met at the hospital by Utah State team physician Dr. David G. Liddle, interim athletics director Jerry Bovee, head football coach Blake Anderson and athletic trainer Kendra Gilmore.”
Update on Josh Davis.
We ask that you continue to keep Josh and his family in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/ASuhTLjVkC
— USU Football (@USUFootball) March 24, 2023
Head coach Blake Allen posted about Josh Davis’ condition as well, saying “The smiles say it all… it was a brutal night, but Josh never stopped fighting. Through God’s grace, and an amazing group of Trainers & Medical Professionals we are doing better ever minute today. So grateful for all the prayers & support lifted up over the past 24 hrs. ❤️”
The smiles say it all… it was a brutal night, but Josh never stopped fighting. Through God’s grace, and an amazing group of Trainers & Medical Professionals we are doing better ever minute today. So grateful for all the prayers & support lifted up over the past 24 hrs. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jfsEQqZypK
— Blake Anderson (@CHbanderson) March 24, 2023
Many well-wishers commented on the post to express their support for Josh, though one of them took the opportunity to argue that those that provided the emergency assistance need to be paid more, saying, “@CHbanderson I hope that you will work with University admin after this great outcome, to educate how much licenses athletic trainers truly are worth. Who do you know that can live on $1800 a month?”
Most of the other commenters simply said they were praying for Josh and his recovery, commenting things like “Prayers for Josh and his family as well as the players and staff of USU football.”
Featured image credit: Blake Anderson Twitter
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