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Josh Davis: Utah State football player recovers from cardiac arrest, no longer on life support

Josh Davis is currently recovering in the hospital and was upgraded to fair condition

OGDEN, UTAH: Utah State football player, who suffered a “non-traumatic sudden cardiac arrest” during a spring practice session on Thursday, was taken off life support on Friday, March 24. Josh Davis, a redshirt freshman wideout from California, had CPR performed upon him by college staff immediately after collapsing on the field. He is currently recovering in the hospital and was upgraded to fair condition the following morning. 

Davis, who was said to be in critical condition initially, was taken to the Logan Regional Hospital where he stabilized before being transported to McKay-Dee Hospital. Speaking of his current condition, the university said Davis was "taken off life-sustaining medical devices and is breathing on his own." They added: "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." The school also shared a photo of the player giving a thumbs up surrounded by his family in the hospital, according to the NY Post. 

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'Awake, alert'

Scott Garrard, who announces the college’s play-by-play, posted an update on his social media. "Awake, alert, and breathing on his own. The training staff absolutely saved his life. No hesitation at all. Miracle," his comment on Twitter read. Head coach Blake Anderson visited the player in the hospital and shared his thoughts on Twitter. "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 every minute today. So grateful for all the prayers & support lifted up over the past 24 hrs," he wrote. Davis, who comes from Carlsbad, California, had his family fly to Utah to be with him. 

The Twitter account of USU football also shared updates on Davis since his hospitalization. "Thank you for your support and player!" a tweet read. The account also posted a video captioned "Aggie Family," alongside a blue heart. 

Athletes have experienced similar incidents

David Hookstead remarked on Outkick that other college athletes have faced similar incidents. “It’s an incredibly troubling trend nobody seems to have an answer to. What is causing so many young athletes in the best shape of their lives to collapse and suffer heart issues? That’s a question people need answers to and nobody should be afraid to ask for clarity on the situation,” his statement read. 

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