Mike Heslin dead at 30, doctors have 'no explanation' for 'unexpected cardiac arrest' death of 'Lioness' actor in 'perfect health'



"Special Ops: Lioness" actor Mike Heslin died suddenly at the age of 30. The young celebrity was allegedly in "perfect health" before dying from an "unexpected cardiac arrest" that doctors have "no explanation" for.

Heslin's sudden death was confirmed in an Instagram post by his husband – Scotty Dynamo.

"On July 2nd, my husband, best friend, and soulmate Mike Heslin passed away from an unexpected cardiac event after a week long battle in the hospital," Dynamo wrote. "Michael was young, in perfect health, and the doctors have no explanation for what happened."

"Michael was brilliant, selfless, talented, and a real-life guardian angel. He single-handedly carried me through multiple rounds of cancer," said Dynamo – a YouTube personality born Nicolas James Wilson.

Dynamo said of the celebrity death, "Michael, meeting you was the best thing to ever happen to me. You are my world. You are everything to me. When I felt you take your last breath, my heart shattered into a million pieces. If I had the power to trade places with you, I would do it in an instant. But I will take it one day at a time like you always told me to, and live every day in your honor."

Heslin allegedly was an organ donor who had "given the gift of life to four different families."

The Mayo Clinic defines sudden cardiac arrest as "the sudden loss of all heart activity due to an irregular heart rhythm. Breathing stops. The person becomes unconscious. Without immediate treatment, sudden cardiac arrest can lead to death."

"The most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest is an irregular heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation," according to the Mayo Clinic. "Rapid, erratic heart signals cause the lower heart chambers to quiver uselessly instead of pumping blood. Certain heart conditions can make you more likely to have this type of heartbeat problem."

Risk factors that increase the chances for sudden cardiac arrest include a family history of coronary artery disease, smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and an inactive lifestyle.

The Mayo Clinic notes that sudden cardiac arrest is different than a heart attack – which is caused by a blockage and SCA is not.

Heslin was also known in the entertainment world for his roles in "The Holiday Proposal Plan," "Influencers," and "7 Deadly Sins."

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Probable cause of Bronny James' cardiac arrest episode said to be a 'Congenital Heart Defect'



A congenital heart defect has been named as the probable cause behind the sudden cardiac arrest that Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, suffered earlier this year.

"After a comprehensive initial evaluation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center led by Dr. Merije Chukumerije and follow-up evaluations at the Mayo Clinic led by Dr. Michael J. Ackerman and Atlantic Health/Morristown Medical Center led by Dr. Matthew W. Martinez, the probable cause of Mr. James' sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has been identified. It is an anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect which can and will be treated," a James family spokesperson noted in a statement.

"We are very confident in Bronny's full recovery and return to basketball in the very near future. We will continue to provide updates to media and respectfully reiterate the family’s request for privacy," the statement added.

— (@)

The 18-year-old experienced cardiac arrest while practicing, a statement from a family spokesperson noted last month.

The young man is slated to play basketball for USC. But he has his sights set on the NBA, according to LeBron James. James, who holds the NBA record for most points scored, has said that before he retires he would like to play in the NBA with Bronny.

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High school student's mother saved her life after she went into cardiac arrest during a cheerleading stunt: 'Scariest moment of my life'



A North Carolina mother is being praised for the quick thinking that likely saved her daughter's life after she went in cardiac arrest during a cheerleading stunt.

Keianna Joe was preparing for a high school cheerleading competition on March 5 when she suddenly became unresponsive.

"I guess when I cartwheeled, I gripped onto my base and I didn't let her go and that's when they knew something was wrong and they slowly let me down to the ground," Keianna said. "I'm so thankful that my teammates are observant and very careful and knew not to panic in the moment and to get me down safely."

Andrea Joe, her mother, said she was alerted to the emergency by her daughter's coach.

“I saw her coach came running out of the back door of the other building screaming just frantically, ‘Get an ambulance. Get an ambulance. We need the ambulance here now,’” she said.

The mother said she rushed to her daughter's side and found that she had no pulse. Luckily, she was CPR-certified, and she says that her instincts took over.

“I just took over. I know CPR, I know how to do this. This is my baby and I have to save her,” she said.

She says she worked on her daughter for ten minutes.

“I was like, ‘Come on, Keianna Come on. We’re not doing this. We’re not doing this today,’” she said.

That's when someone brought over an automated external defibrillator, or AED, a medical device that delivers an electrical shock timed to restart a person's heart to its normal rhythm. Andrea Joe was also trained in the use of the AED.

"I grabbed the pads and I just kind of ripped her uniform up over her head and threw the pads on her and hit the button," the mother explained. "It said, 'shock advised,' and that was alarming because you train on these devices all the time and every time you train on them, they never deliver a shock because it's not a live patient."

After using the AED and another round of CPR, her daughter began to breathe again.

Keianna Joe was transported to a hospital for treatment. She was released a week later after doctors inserted a implantable cardioverter defibrillator to detect and stop irregular heartbeats.

"She's probably alive because there was an AED on-site and her mom knew how to use it," said Dr. Zebulon Zachary Spector, the pediatric cardiologist at Duke University Hospital.

Dr. Adam Kean at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis said that cardiac arrest is incredibly rare, but it still kills many children every year.

“We estimate that one in 30,000 children die of cardiac arrest each year, and that sounds incredibly small," said Kean. "But that’s still around 2,000 children in the United States each year.”

Here's a local news video about the incident:

Watch: Mom saves teen daughter’s life after she had cardiac arrest at cheerleading competition www.youtube.com

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Lisa Marie Presley has died — she had been hospitalized Thursday, reportedly after suffering cardiac arrest



Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of the late legendary singer Elvis Presley, was taken to the hospital, according to her mother Priscilla Presley.

"My beloved daughter Lisa Marie was rushed to the hospital. She is now receiving the best care. Please keep her and our family in your prayers. We feel the prayers from around the world, and ask for privacy during this time," Priscilla Presley said on social media.

\u201cMy beloved daughter Lisa Marie was rushed to the hospital. She is now receiving the best care. Please keep her and our family in your prayers. We feel the prayers from around the world, and ask for privacy during this time.\n-Priscilla Presley\u201d
— Priscilla Presley (@Priscilla Presley) 1673564604

TMZ has reported that, according to sources, the 54-year-old is in the ICU after experiencing cardiac arrest.

A Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department spokesperson told the Hollywood Reporter that authorities responded in connection with a woman in her 50's who experienced cardiac arrest — the spokesperson, who did not confirm whether Presley was the woman, noted that the fire department had been able to get a pulse on the woman, who was taken to West Hills hospital.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Los Angeles County Fire Department Capt. Sheila Kelliher confirmed to the outlet that an engine and paramedics had responded to a residence where a woman was experiencing cardiac arrest and was taken to a hospital.

The Times reported that Presley has been dwelling at the residence of ex-husband Danny Keough after selling her residence following the suicide of one of their children, Benjamin Keough. The Hollywood Reporter noted that Presley has been married multiple times, including to Keough, Michael Jackson, Nicolas Cage, and Michael Lockwood. She had twin daughters with Lockwood, according to People.

TMZ reported that, according to a source, a housekeeper discovered Presley unresponsive, and Keough did CPR until paramedics got there.

Presley and her mother Priscilla Presley had gone to the Golden Globe Awards on Tuesday night, where Austin Butler won best actor in a motion picture drama for his role playing the music icon Elvis in the film "Elvis."

5-year-old boy went into cardiac arrest multiple times, Kentucky couple charged with child abuse



A Kentucky couple were charged with child abuse for allegedly physically battering and mistreating a 5-year-old boy.

A young boy from Hardin County was rushed to Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown on Sunday. The medical staff said the boy did not have a pulse when he arrived at the hospital.

The 5-year-old with life-threatening injuries was then airlifted to Norton Children's Hospital in Louisville for medical treatment. The boy went into cardiac arrest several times, according to a police report. He was in critical condition.

Around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, the Hardin County Department for Community Based Services contacted local police about the hospitalized boy. The organization informed police that the boy had suffered "suspicious injuries." A doctor told the police that he was "highly concerned" that boy could be a victim of child abuse.

The 5-year-old boy had bruises all over his body, including multiple injuries consistent with child abuse. The child was also malnourished, only weighing 32 pounds, according to police.

Dr. Melissa Currie, Norton Children’s Pediatric Protection Specialist Medical Director, told WAVE, "Anytime you have extensive bruising, bruising to multiple areas of the body, on multiple planes of the body, that is very concerning."

The boy's father, Clovis Smith, said he found the boy unconscious around 2 p.m. on Sunday with vomit on him. Smith believed the boy had drunk some rubbing alcohol. Instead of contacting 911, Smith allegedly called his girlfriend Satrina Layne. Smith didn't take his son to the hospital until Layne returned to their Rineyville home from her restaurant job that is 21 miles away.

WRDB reported, "Layne told officers that on the way to the hospital, Smith gave her 'the look.' When questioned about what 'the look' meant, she said she understood it to mean, 'Oh, [EXPLETIVE], I killed him.'"

The 25-year-old father reportedly confessed to police that he would trap his son inside a bedroom by moving the entertainment center in front of the door.

Smith admitted to spanking the child and grabbing the boy's arms "too hard" at times, according to police.

Layne allegedly told police that she grabbed the child by the arm and dragged him through a room. The boy's foot got caught in a sheet, causing him to fall and hurt his elbow.

Police said Layne confessed to hitting the boy with a spatula, her hands, and a flip-flop. She claimed that on one occasion, the boy hurt his eye when he "threw himself on the ground" while going to the bathroom.

The 23-year-old woman reportedly told police Smith had gone "too far" in disciplining the child by punching the boy.

Both Layne and Smith were arrested and charged with first-degree criminal abuse of a victim under the age of 12. The couple are being held in the Hardin County Detention Center.

The Kentucky State Police are handling the investigation.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Scotty Sharp said of the child abuse case, "They are always extremely tough cases to work for investigators because having a big heart we can’t stand to see a child suffer."

Couple charged with abuse after 5-year-old goes into cardiac arrest in Hardin County www.youtube.com

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17-year-old dies 'suddenly and unexpectedly' after suffering cardiac arrest: 'No explanation as to why'



A Las Vegas family is mourning the loss of a teenager who died "suddenly and unexpectedly" after suffering from cardiac arrest.

Jordan Brister, 17, was at school on Jan. 3 when he experienced sudden cardiac arrest. He was found inside one of the school's bathrooms after gym class, his family told KSNV-TV.

School officials provided lifesaving support, and Brister was transported to a nearby hospital. But he died on Sunday, five days after his medical emergency.

A GoFundMe set up in Brister's honor said there was no explanation for Brister's sudden death.

"The Brister family has suffered a tremendous loss, a loss none of them were prepared for," the GoFundMe explains. "Jordan Tyler Brister suddenly and unexpectedly suffered cardiac arrest while at school with no explanation as to why."

Brister's mother, Savanna, said in a statement that her son planned to join the military.

Jordan was a selfless, respectful, Southern gentleman who was kind to everyone. He was witty and charming. He wanted to join the military to become a para rescue jumper to save others. In the end, he saved others through donation of organs, so his dream was somewhat fulfilled. He was a wise, older brother who cared deeply for his brother and sister. Jordan was truly everything you could ask for and more. He had a heart of gold.

The Clark County Coroner's Office is investigating Brister's death. An official cause of death has not yet been announced.

High school student found unresponsive remembered with honor walk at Las Vegas hospital www.youtube.com

Brister's sudden medical emergency happened just two days before another Las Vegas teenager, 16-year-old Ashari Hughes, suddenly died after she suffered a "medical emergency" while playing a game of flag football.

The corner said Hughes "died from anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from left coronary sinus of valsalva," KVVU-TV reported. The death was reportedly declared "natural."

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Damar Hamlin's breathing tube removed; he talks with family, teammates; doctors say he's neurologically intact



Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's breathing tube has been removed, he's spoken with his family and teammates, and doctors say he's neurologically intact, according to an ESPN report Friday.

What's the background?

Hamlin, 24, collapsed on the field in cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this week after he appeared to take a hit to his chest while tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Medical personnel rushed to the field and gave Hamlin CPR and oxygen, after which he was taken by ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in critical condition.

Sports Illustrated said Hamlin was on a ventilator at the hospital. Dorrian Glenn, Hamlin's uncle, added that Hamlin had to be resuscitated twice, once on the field at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati and once after he arrived at the hospital, ESPN said in an updated story.

However, by Thursday doctors told the sports network Hamlin was beginning to awaken and was showing signs of "substantial improvement" in his recovery, as he was able to move his hands and feet.

While he couldn't yet speak, doctors told ESPN Hamlin could communicate in writing and asked if the Bills won Monday's game against the Bengals. That question, one doctor said, meant that "not only the lights are on, but he's home."

Hamlin continues to 'progress remarkably in his recovery'

ESPN, citing physicians at University of Cincinnati Medical Center, said Friday that Hamlin's breathing tube was removed overnight and that he continues to "progress remarkably in his recovery." Doctors added that Hamlin's neurological function remains intact — and he's talking to family and teammates, the sports network said.

On FaceTime, Hamlin told teammates and coaches, "Love you, boys," during Friday's team meeting, ESPN said.

Doctors hope Hamlin can return home with his family as soon as possible, the sports network said, adding that "there is no definitive answer to what caused Hamlin's cardiac arrest."

A prayer 'for healing for Damar' on live television

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky — a "follower of Jesus" as noted on his Twitter bioprayed out loud for Hamlin during the sports network's "NFL Live" broadcast Tuesday:

God, we come to you in these moments that we don’t understand, that are hard, because we believe that you’re God, and coming to you and praying to you has impact. We’re sad, we’re angry, and we want answers, but some things are unanswerable. We just wanna pray, truly come to you and pray for strength for Damar, for healing for Damar, for comfort for Damar, to be with his family, to give them peace. If we didn’t believe that prayer didn’t work, we wouldn’t ask this of you, God. I believe in prayer, we believe in prayer. We lift up Damar Hamlin’s name in your name. Amen.

Fellow analyst Marcus Spears and host Laura Rutledge also bowed their heads and said "amen" afterward.

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky Praying for Damar Hamlin on NFL Live youtu.be

Anything else?

After Hamlin's collapse on the field Monday night, players were visibly distraught, the game was paused after the teams' head coaches conferred, and the NFL officially suspended the game around 10 p.m. ET. The league announced Thursday night that the Bills-Bengals game has been canceled and will not continue, ESPN reported.

Although the Bills and Bengals both clinched their respective AFC divisions, playoff seedings remain at stake amid their canceled game. ESPN said league owners will vote Friday on scenarios that involve a neutral site for an AFC championship game, among other possibilities that depend on game outcomes this weekend. You can read about the details here.

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky — a 'follower of Jesus' — prayed out loud for Damar Hamlin on 'NFL Live' broadcast. Marcus Spears, Laura Rutledge also bowed heads, said 'amen.'



ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky — a "follower of Jesus" as noted on his Twitter bio — prayed out loud for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during the sports network's "NFL Live" broadcast Tuesday, an unusual gesture for television.

What did Orlovsky say?

Hamlin, 24, collapsed on the field in cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals after he appeared to take a hit to his chest while tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Orlovsky, a former NFL quarterback, spoke on the "NFL Live" broadcast with fellow analyst Marcus Spears and host Laura Rutledge at the table with him.

"Football gave me everything, you know, and I think even through the midst of the absolute tragedy last night, I think you saw some of the beauty of football as well, that it's brought us all here together," Orlovsky began.

He continued, saying that "this is a little bit different. ... I've heard it all day ... 'thoughts and prayers' ... 'all we can do is pray for him.' I've heard the Buffalo Bills organization say that we believe in prayer, and maybe this is not the right thing to do, but ... it’s just on my heart that I wanna pray for ..."

"It is," Spears affirmed.

Orlovsky continued: "... Damar Hamlin right now. I’m gonna do it out loud, I’m gonna close my eyes, I'm gonna bow my head, and I’m just gonna pray for him."

Rutledge and Spears bowed their heads along with Orlovsky.

Then Orlovsky began to pray:

God, we come to you in these moments that we don’t understand, that are hard, because we believe that you’re God, and coming to you and praying to you has impact. We’re sad, we’re angry, and we want answers, but some things are unanswerable. We just wanna pray, truly come to you and pray for strength for Damar, for healing for Damar, for comfort for Damar, to be with his family, to give them peace. If we didn’t believe that prayer didn’t work, we wouldn’t ask this of you, God. I believe in prayer, we believe in prayer. We lift up Damar Hamlin’s name in your name. Amen.

Spears and Rutledge added an "amen" each after Orlovsky's prayer, while Rutledge remarked that it was "beautiful."

Check it out:

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky Praying for Damar Hamlin on NFL Liveyoutu.be

What is the background?

After Hamlin's collapse, medical personnel rushed to the field and gave him CPR and oxygen, after which he was taken by ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. He remained in critical condition Wednesday morning.

Players were visibly distraught on the field, the game was paused after the teams' head coaches conferred, and the NFL officially suspended the game around 10 p.m. ET.

Sports Illustrated said Hamlin was on a ventilator at the hospital. Dorrian Glenn, Hamlin's uncle, said Hamlin had to be resuscitated twice, once on the field at Paycor Stadium and once after he arrived at the hospital, ESPN said in an updated story. There is also concern surrounding potential lung damage, the sports network added.

But Glenn told ESPN's Coley Harvey outside the hospital Tuesday evening that Hamlin is sedated and "improving from where he was yesterday." Hamlin's agent, Ron Butler, told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that Hamlin's oxygen levels have improved.