Portland, Or. — Isaac Arzate, a 12-year-old Oregon middle school student who survived a sudden heart attack during basketball practice in January, died last week after collapsing during another sporting event.
According to ABC News, Arzate started coughing up blood Friday while playing a game of baseball with some friends at Scott Elementary School in Salem.
Authorities said some of the same paramedics who shocked Arzate back to life earlier this year, responded to the scene but were unable to revive the boy this time around.
”All calls involving critical pediatric patients are tough, and it was particularly hard on this crew,” Marion County Fire District Chief Kevin Henson said.
After Arzate’s first collapse Jan. 6, fast-acting coaches performed CPR and called paramedics. Doctor’s would later reveal the collapse happened due to a heart defect Isaac and his family did know he had.
He underwent surgery at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, and less than a month later said in an interview with KPTV that he felt like he was back to normal.
“They did take him to Doernbecher. They had several tests performed and he was 100 percent clear to resume a normal lifestyle and begin activities”, Tiffany Beach, a close family friend, told KPTV. “He had played in a baseball game the weekend prior and did really well, I hear.”
Following Arzate’s passing, officials at OHSU Doernbecher Hospital released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Isaac Arzate. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.The cardiac team has been in touch with his family and is providing support. Isaac’s family has informed us that an account has been established in his name at U.S. Bank.
“OHSU Doernbecher cannot provide any specific details regarding Isaac’s care, including whether Isaac was cleared by our cardiac team to play sports.”
Authorities said there will not be an autopsy since Arzate died of natural causes.
Sadly, Arzate isn’t the only youth to collapse while playing sports recently.
Fox News writes that fourteen-year-old Cody Sherell of La Center, Wash., died Jan. 10 after collapsing in cardiac arrest at basketball practice.
KPTV has more on the tragic death of Isaac Arzate in the video below:
via KPTV
