'His heart had went out:' Damar Hamlin's uncle reveals Buffalo Bills player had to be resuscitated twice
CINCINNATI, OHIO: Damar Hamlin's uncle reportedly said that the Buffalo Bills player was "trending upwards in a favorable way" and that he was resuscitated twice after he collapsed during his team's game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, January 2. Hamlin, 24, was involved in a collision with wide receiver Tee Higgins during the said game, which led to a cardiac arrest.
According to CNN, Dorrian Glenn, Hamlin's uncle, reportedly said, "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."
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Expressing his pain, Glenn said, "I'm not a cryer, but I've never sobbed so hard in my life. Just to know, like, my nephew basically died on the field, and they brought him back to life. They sedated him just to give a better chance for him to just continue to heal better."
Glen explained Hamlin's health condition and said that he "sustained some damage to his lungs, and they're working to try to remedy that, and they've got him on the ventilator to help with the breathing too, just to take some of the strain off his lungs so they can heal and recuperate."
He further added that Hamlin was "flipped over on his stomach" in order to ease pressure on his lungs. Glenn also took the opportunity to thank the medical staff for their efforts and said, "I just want to show my gratitude for the medical staff that were on hand because if not for them, my nephew probably wouldn't even be here."
Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest
Hamlin was initially able to stand, but as soon as he did, he passed out on the field, causing trainers and medical staffers to rush over and begin CPR. He was soon brought to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he is currently receiving medical care and is reportedly in critical condition. Hamlin was put to sleep in order to "insert a breathing tube down his throat," but as of Monday, his vital signs, according to his rep, Jordon Rooney, were back to normal, as reported by The Sun.
Damar Hamlin's fans pray for him
Hamlin has received support from fans throughout the league, as seen by the fact that his GoFundMe campaign surpassed $5M on Tuesday, January 3. Fans in Buffalo have gathered for a prayer vigil outside of Highmark Stadium, organized by Jill Kelly. A candlelight vigil was conducted outside the stadium on the same day, as per Washington Post.