A Utah State football player who collapsed during a spring practice session on Thursday suffered a “non-traumatic sudden cardiac arrest,” the university announced in a statement Friday.
Josh Davis, a redshirt freshman wide receiver from Karslbad, California, collapsed on the field and was immediately transported Logan Regional Hospital. His condition was initially listed as “critical” but was later said to be in “fair” condition the following morning.
“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,” Utah State said in a press release.
The university later posted a photo of Davis giving a “thumbs up” in his hospital room while surrounded by friends and family.
Update on Josh Davis.
We ask that you continue to keep Josh and his family in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/ASuhTLjVkC
— USU Football (@USUFootball) March 24, 2023
Head coach Blake Anderson and a handful of teammates visited Davis in the hospital shortly after his condition improved. “What’s up Aggie nation this is Josh Davis coming in, feeling a-lot better. Just wanna thank you guys for all the support and all the prayers, and I can’t wait to be back soon,” said Davis in a video statement.
“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 ever minute today. So grateful for all the prayers & support lifted up over the past 24 hrs,” wrote Anderson in a tweet.
Aggie Family
#AggiesAllTheWay | #TOGETHER pic.twitter.com/tow4Gfu0S3
— USU Football (@USUFootball) March 25, 2023