Keeping in mind the memory of Chuck Hughes, let’s know more about the only NFL player to pass away from a heart attack while playing the game and his cause of death
Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field during the Monday night football.
NFL fans across the world were looking forward to a thrilling Monday Night Football matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills, but for those watching, the anticipation rapidly gave way to horror.
Who is Chuck Hughes NFL player who died from cardiac arrest, cause of death and video
Chuck Hughes dies on the field vs the Bears. 1971 pic.twitter.com/yapprNOsEt
— George Bliss. (@geobliss) January 3, 2023
Damar Hamlin, a safety for the Bills, had a heart arrest after he tackled Tee Higgins, a wide receiver for the Bengals. After the tackle, Hamlin fell to the ground, got to his feet, and then shortly after, he passed out. The game was immediately called off as he received treatment on the field before being taken urgently to a nearby hospital.
Older NFL supporters might recall the last time something similar happened.
Chuck Hughes passed away from a heart attack while playing in the NFL in 1971, making him the first and only player to do so to date. When the fatality occurred, the wide receiver—who also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions—was competing for Detroit against the Chicago Bears.
After receiving a hard hit early in the game, Hughes collapsed off the ball a few plays later. Dick Butkus, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, quickly signalled for help from the sidelines. On October 24, 1971, at 5:34 p.m., Hughes was declared dead despite an ambulance being called. Sadly, he was just 28 years old,
Despite no one knowing Hughes’ condition at the time, the Bears and Lions mysteriously completed the remainder of the game, perhaps because of the NFL. Thankfully, after the event, the Bills and Bengals both agreed that postponing last night’s game was the right course of action.
How did Hughes die?
Hughes had a 75% blockage in one of his arteries, and his family had a history of heart issues, according to the results of the post-mortem investigation. His artery had a blood clot that had come loose, cutting off the supply of blood to the heart. This might be what led to the hit he took a few plays before passing out.
In 1972, after he was admitted to the hospital after complaining of chest symptoms, his wife sued Henry Ford Hospital for malpractice for failing to diagnose his ailment. In 1974, the lawsuit was resolved with an undisclosed payment.