NFL star Damar Hamlin had to be resuscitated at the hospital after his heart stopped for a second time after suffering a cardiac arrest on the field this week.
The 24-year-old collapsed on the field as he was playing for the Buffalo Bills in their game against the Cincinnati Bengals after making a routine tackle.
The Bills released a statement to the press saying: "Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals.
"His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition," via Al Jazeera.
NBC News reported that an ambulance arrived on the field shortly after the incident occurred and CPR was administered for several minutes, with Hamlin's coaches and fellow players watching on distressed and in tears.
The 24-year-old's uncle, Dorrian Glenn, has told CNN that his nephew's heart stopped again when he arrived at the hospital, and the medical team had to resuscitate the NFL star for a second time.
"His heart had went out so they had to resuscitate him twice. They resuscitated him on the field before they brought him to the hospital and then they resuscitated him a second time when they got him to the hospital," Glenn said.
He thanked the medical staff, stating that if it wasn't for them then his nephew may not still be alive. Glenn was watching the game with Hamlin's brother when the incident took place.
"I'm not a crier, but I've never cried so hard in my life. Just to know, like, my nephew basically died on the field and they brought him back to life, that's just heartbreaking," he added.
Glenn thanked fans for their support and prayers and gave an update on Hamlin's condition: "They sedated him just to give a better chance for him to just continue to heal better. We are just taking it day by day. It seems like he’s trending upwards in a positive way."
The NFL had also released a statement shortly after the scary incident, stating that the game would be postponed in the wake of Hamlin's medical emergency.
It said: "Tonight's Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game has been postponed after Buffalo Bills' Damar Hamlin collapsed, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced.
"Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics. He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition.
"Our thoughts are with Damar and the Buffalo Bills. We will provide more information as it becomes available. The NFL has been in constant communication with the NFL Players Association which is in agreement with postponing the game."
Hamlin is currently on a ventilator to aid him with his breathing due to the damage he sustained to his lungs during the incident.
Our thoughts continue to be with Hamlin and we wish him all the best in his recovery.
