Featured Image Credit: ESPN/@d.ham3 / Instagram
Topics: Sport, Health, US News, Basketball
Dominic Smithers
Topics: Sport, Health, US News, Basketball
A young basketball player suddenly collapsed mid-way through a college game this week.
The scary scene occurred towards the end of the first half of Old Dominion's NCAA match against Georgia Southern on Saturday (7 January).
In terrifying footage posted on social media, Imo Essien can be seen defending when he suddenly falls to the floor, clutching his chest.
Shocked by what they were seeing, fellow players looked visibly upset by the scene.
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Fortunately, trainers and staff were able to get over to Essien in a matter of seconds to check up on him, and he appeared to remain conscious throughout the entire incident.
Old Dominion university later issued a statement, which said: "Imo Essien was evaluated by the ODU Athletic Training staff along with the GA Southern medical staff.
"He was responsive throughout and was able to sit with the team for the duration of the game and drove home with the team. "He is in good spirits and will work with the ODU Sports Medicine Staff when they return to Norfolk."
On Sunday, Essien shared an update on his condition.
In a post to Twitter, the young student said it was the 'scariest day of his life'.
"It goes without saying that yesterday was by far the scariest day of my life," he wrote.
"By now, I'm sure that most of you have seen the video surfacing. "Never would I have imagined having to go through something that severe.
"Even though it hurt not being able to continue competing on the court with my brothers, I'm extremely proud of how they fought to get the win.
"To check my phone after the game and have so many positive and thoughtful text messages meant the world to me and my family. I appreciate all the love!
"I wanted to let everyone know... my family, my close friends, Monarch Nation, and anyone else who may be concerned, I'm feeling a lot better and confident that I will be at 100 percent very soon."
This comes just days after NFL star Damar Hamlin collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest on the field during Buffalo Bills' game against the Cincinnati Bengals on 2 January.
Medics rushed onto the field and gave the player CPR for about ten minutes, with his teammates surrounding him in a circle, praying he would pull through.
After being in a critical condition in hospital for days, Hamlin started to communicate by writing and then slowly started to speak.
In his first statement following the shocking incident, Hamlin said he was hugely grateful for all the support he received.
On Twitter, he wrote: "Putting love into the world comes back 3xs as much… thankful for everyone who has reached out and prayed.
"This will make me stronger on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!"