A serious medical emergency unfolded during a recent Duke basketball team practice when one of the Blue Devils’ bench coaches collapsed unexpectedly, suffering what medical personnel later confirmed as a cardiac arrest. The coach, whose name has not yet been publicly released pending family notification, was immediately attended to by the team’s medical staff and emergency personnel before being rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Witnesses described the moment as “shocking and surreal,” with players and staff reacting in panic as the coach suddenly fell to the ground during routine drills. Team trainers administered CPR within seconds, while an automated external defibrillator (AED) was used in a life-saving attempt before paramedics arrived. According to medical sources close to the situation, those quick actions likely played a crucial role in stabilizing the coach’s condition ahead of hospital transport.
The incident occurred at Duke’s practice facility, where the Blue Devils were holding an early offseason workout session in preparation for summer development. Head coach Jon Scheyer was present at the scene and reportedly accompanied the coach to the hospital. Several players were visibly shaken by the incident and were later excused from practice activities for the day.
“This was a terrifying moment for all of us,” said a spokesperson for the Duke athletic department. “We are incredibly grateful
