Soccer Player Saved by Opponents After On-Field Cardiac Arrest
On March 19, 25-year-old Nils Gulbranson collapsed from cardiac arrest during a men’s league soccer game in Minnesota. Opposing players Derek Eklund and Scott Hunter quickly stepped in to perform CPR and used an AED to revive him after his pulse and breathing stopped twice.
Gulbranson credits them with saving his life, saying, “By the grace of God, you guys were there.” He was later diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, a rare genetic heart condition, and now has a Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (S-ICD) to monitor his heart.
Though his life may change moving forward, Gulbranson said he’s simply grateful to be alive.
12-Year-Old Collapses at School from Undetected Heart Condition, Saved by CPR
On March 25, 12-year-old Bianca Ximenez collapsed from cardiac arrest during a routine run in P.E. class at St. Anthony’s Catholic School in San Antonio. She had shown no prior symptoms.
School nurse Caroline Mendez quickly began CPR, and paramedics from the San Antonio Fire Department rushed Bianca to Christus Children’s Hospital. She was later diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a rare, often undetected condition that thickens the heart muscle.
Bianca survived—a rare outcome with only a 17% survival rate—and received an implanted defibrillator. She has since returned to school and formed a close bond with Mendez, whom she calls her "guardian angel."
Her parents, Judge Alfredo Ximenez and Cassandra Ximenez, now advocate for CPR awareness and heart screenings for children, stressing the importance of being prepared for sudden cardiac events.
Medical Student Dies After Cardiac Arrest During Basketball Game; Wife Speaks Out to Raise Awareness
In March 2025, 28-year-old medical student Brenan Cullimore collapsed during a pickup basketball game after telling friends he felt dizzy. He lost consciousness and suffered cardiac arrest. Though doctors placed him on ECMO, he never regained consciousness and passed away two days later.
His wife, Abby Cullimore, 27, is now speaking out to raise awareness about the importance of CPR and AEDs in cardiac emergencies. “It’s the worst pain I could have ever imagined,” she said. “If I can help prevent this for someone else, it would mean everything.”
The couple met as undergrads, reconnected in 2021, and married in 2023. Brenan, known for his humor and kindness, was pursuing a career in surgery. He had recently learned he carried the gene for Brugada syndrome, a rare inherited heart condition that can cause fatal arrhythmias and is responsible for about 4% of sudden cardiac deaths. His brother had been diagnosed with the same condition years earlier after collapsing during sports.
Abby hopes sharing Brenan’s story will encourage others to learn life-saving skills and recognize the risks of genetic heart conditions.
University of Cincinnati Football Player Jeremiah Kelly Dies Unexpectedly
April 2025 -CINCINNATI
Jeremiah Kelly, a freshman offensive lineman for the University of Cincinnati football team, died unexpectedly at his residence early Tuesday, the university announced. The cause of death has not been disclosed, and local authorities have not provided further information.
Kelly, a 6-foot-3, 320-pound athlete from Avon, Ohio, had recently joined the Bearcats as an early enrollee and was participating in spring practice. He played a key role in leading Avon High School to a 16-0 season and a state championship in 2024.
Head coach Scott Satterfield described Kelly as an impactful presence both on and off the field, saying, “The Bearcats football family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of this outstanding young man.” Athletic Director John Cunningham added that the university community is deeply saddened and will provide support to the Kelly family and student-athletes during this difficult time.
Gautier High football player, 15, dies after medical emergency at fieldhouse
January 9th, 2025, - Gautier, Miss.
A 15-year-old Gautier High School sophomore and football player, Shermarion Miner, tragically passed away following a medical emergency at the school’s fieldhouse on Thursday afternoon. Coaches performed CPR, and emergency responders transported him to Ocean Springs Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police Chief David Bever confirmed no foul play is suspected, describing the incident as a medical event.
The Pascagoula-Gautier School District expressed grief over the loss, offering mental health support for students and staff. Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughan asked the community to remember Miner’s positive impact and to extend prayers to his family, classmates, school staff, and first responders. The cause of Miner’s death remains unknown.
11-year-old boy dies in the Bronx while attending after school program
October 23rd 2024, - Bronx, NY
A tragic incident unfolded in the Bronx on Wednesday afternoon when an 11-year-old boy attending an afterschool program suddenly passed away, police reported.
According to police sources, the event occurred around 4:14 p.m. on Oct. 23 at Icahn Charter School, located at 1776 Mansion St. in the East Tremont area of Van Nest.
The boy reportedly collapsed and went into cardiac arrest during the afterschool program. Other students quickly alerted security, who immediately began performing CPR.
Officers from the 43rd Precinct responded to the scene and transported the boy to Jacobi Hospital. Sadly, despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead. The boy’s identity has not yet been released by the authorities.
Sources familiar with the case indicated that there were no signs of trauma. The boy’s body has been sent to the Medical Examiner’s office for an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.
The investigation is ongoing, police noted.
Lebanon High School senior dies after running race
October 6th 2024
LEBANON, Mo. (KY3) – A Lebanon School District student has tragically passed away following a race.
The Lebanon R-3 School District announced that Lebanon High School senior Rudy "Junior" Zevallos died over the weekend. According to reports from the Frog Hill Half Marathon, 10K, and Leapfrog 5K, Zevallos collapsed at the race's finish line on Saturday afternoon. He was transported to a hospital, where he later passed away.
"Our school community is going through an incredibly difficult time, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to Rudy’s family and friends. We deeply care for our students, staff, and families, and we share in this collective grief,” the district said.
Counselors and support services were provided to staff and students over the weekend and will continue to be available throughout the school week as needed.October 6th, 202
A Florida high school football player died after collapsing during a game
September 7th, 2024- Chance Gainer, an 18-year-old senior at Port St. Joe High School in Florida, collapsed during a football game and died shortly after being taken to the hospital. Gainer, described as a remarkable athlete and beloved teammate, passed away just before halftime during an away game. His death has deeply impacted the local community, with school officials, friends, and family coming together for support. This tragic incident is part of a larger pattern of recent deaths among young football players, with at least seven others dying last month during practices or games, some due to heat-related issues or head injuries.
Houston teachers’ union being told defibrillator wasn’t working when Marshall MS student collapsed
August 16th, 2024- At Marshall Middle School in Houston, a malfunctioning defibrillator may have impacted the response to an eighth-grade boy who collapsed during gym class. Staff reported the issue to the Houston Federation of Teachers, which questioned whether the defibrillator had been properly serviced. The boy was taken to the hospital but died the following day. HISD has expressed condolences but provided no details on the cause of death. State Rep. Christina Morales, who visited the school, found that the boy’s family still lacks information about the incident. A crisis response team has been sent to the school for the week of August.
‘Full of love and life’ — SM Northwest mourns football player who died after practice
August 16th, 2024- Shawnee Mission Northwest sophomore, Ovet Gomez Regalado, has died following a medical emergency during football practice earlier this week. Principal Lisa Gruman informed parents and families in an email, expressing the community's grief and noting that extra support will be available for those affected. This marks the fourth student death at SM Northwest in the past 14 months.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene on Wednesday to find Gomez Regalado in critical condition. He was taken to the hospital but sadly did not survive. Gruman's follow-up email emphasized the importance of respecting the family's privacy and encouraged the school community to support one another while refraining from spreading rumors.
The news has deeply affected students and staff, with many visibly shaken. The school has converted the library into a support space and provided counseling resources for those in need. School board member Jaime Borgman has called for the community to come together in support during this difficult time. For counseling outside regular hours, students are advised to contact the 988 National Hotline.
Franklin High School student dies after medical emergency at football practice
A Franklin High School student has died following a medical emergency at football practice on Wednesday morning. Baltimore County Fire Department crews responded at 9:15 a.m. and found the student in critical condition. Despite life-saving efforts, the student was pronounced dead at the hospital.
In response, Principal Kieran J. O’Connell informed the school community of the tragedy, offering condolences and announcing that the Baltimore County Public Schools Traumatic Loss Team would provide counseling and support at the school on August 15, 2024. O'Connell encouraged parents to contact the school for additional resources.
The Baltimore County Public Schools district is working towards having a full-time athletic trainer at each of its high schools. Franklin High, which already has a full-time athletic trainer, has been praised by its football coach, Anthony Burgos, for the presence of this professional who helps implement emergency action plans.
4th grader declared brain dead after collapsing at recess on first day of school, family says
August 7th,2024- In Henderson, Kentucky, 9-year-old Lucy Nash collapsed during recess on her first day of fourth grade and suffered a cardiac event, leading to brain death. After being transported from Cairo Elementary to Riley Children’s Hospital, doctors declared her brain dead after several days. In response, the community launched the "Pinkies up 4 Lucy" campaign, honoring her love for pink nail polish by wearing pink in her memory. Lucy’s family plans to donate her organs to help others, emphasizing her desire to do good.
Dutchtown Middle student dies after medical emergency at school Wednesday
August 18th, 2024- An eighth grader at Dutchtown Middle School in Geismar died following a medical emergency on campus Wednesday. The student was rushed to the hospital but did not survive. Principal Douglas Walker informed parents via letter that grief counselors will be available at the school on Thursday to support students.
Palatka student athlete experienced ‘chest pains’ day before death, police say
August 13th, 2024- Robert James Gillon III, a student athlete at Palatka Junior-Senior High School, was found dead at his home after experiencing chest pains the day before. Police investigation indicates he died of natural causes, with no signs of foul play; however, final toxicology results are still pending. The school district is offering counseling services, has canceled all athletic events for the day, and organized a prayer vigil to honor Robert’s memory. Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency expressed deep condolences to the family and community.