Peyton Hillis' GF calls him 'hero' as he's 'on road to recovery' after rescuing 2 children from drowning
FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA: The former NFL running back Peyton Hillis, who got hospitalized following a swimming accident in Pensacola, Florida, last Wednesday, is no longer on a ventilator. His girlfriend, singer, and actress Angela Cole shared a health update as Hillis had remained under intensive care following the terrifying accident last week.
Hillis reportedly saved his two children from drowning at Pensacola beach before getting drowned. As a result, he suffered injuries in his lung and kidney. On Wednesday, Cole shared the news about his health condition and called him a "hero" on an Instagram post.
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“A hero. . So proud of this man and so incredibly grateful for family and this incredible hospital,” Cole wrote in her post, which included a video of the couple. “Peyton is off the ventilator and is on the road to recovery. Please continue to pray for he’s still got a ways ahead of him, but thank you for all of your prayers and love, and support thus far. It truly makes all the difference. Today was a good day.”
Hillis was airlifted to the hospital soon after the incident and on Tuesday as per the WREG report, damage to his kidneys continues to be a matter of concern. Cole also shared the post to her Instagram story, writing, “Thank you everyone for your prayers, love, and support. Today was a good day.” It is the first time Cole has spoken publicly since the 36-year-old Hillis was hospitalized in the intensive care unit last week, the New York Post reported.
Peyton's uncle had also shared his concern via a Facebook post. He revealed that Hillis was having problems with his kidneys and lungs.
Peyton Hillis’ uncle posted this on Facebook and @OtisKirk23 brought it to my attention. #WPS pic.twitter.com/jYRvQPGAXF
— Alyssa Orange (@AlyssaOrange) January 6, 2023
Hillis started getting famous at Conway High School before signing with the University of Arkansas. The former NFL running back, 36, has been volunteering as an assistant coach on his son's team. Both that son, Orry, and Hillis' young daughter were uninjured in the swimming accident as per Daily Mail. Hillis had been trying his hand at acting in recent years and appeared in the horror film, The Hunting, in 2021.
He co-starred with actress Angela Cole in that film. The film was a sort of homecoming for Hillis, as it was filmed in the Cleveland suburb of Mantua, Ohio. Cole first went public with their relationship in a Facebook post on July 6, 2022. Hillis divorced the mother of his children, Amanda, in 2020.