A 17-year-old Texas high school football player, Odin Hensley, is fighting for his life in the intensive care unit after suffering cardiac arrest during practice on Monday morning.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Hensley's family, with the goal of raising $200,000 to cover hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. As of Tuesday evening, the campaign had raised $56,159 from 404 donations.
The fundraiser, which was created by an anonymous supporter, says Hensley suffered cardiac arrest during football practice on Monday and was transported by Travis County STAR Flight to Dell Children's Medical Center. Doctors are "worried about his brain and organs," according to the fundraiser, which adds that Hensley's family remains uncertain about his outcome.
Hensley's parents have been at the hospital with him, missing work during the medical crisis. The campaign is asking for prayers for Hensley's heart, brain, and other organs to make a full recovery.
Lake Travis athletic director and head football coach Hank Carter confirmed on Monday that a player suffered a "serious health emergency" during practice. In a tweet, Carter said: "Dear Parents, At approximately 8:00 am this morning at football practice, one of our student-athletes experienced a serious health emergency which required the assistance of Travis County STAR Flight. Out of an abundance of caution, we canceled the remainder of today's practice."
Austin-Travis County EMS said Monday that its crews and Travis County STAR Flight responded to Lake Travis High School around 8 a.m. for a reported seizure. Medics initiated advanced life support before STAR Flight transported a teenage patient to Dell Children's in critical condition.
The GoFundMe campaign says Hensley's family is focused on his recovery and asks supporters to donate or share the fundraiser if they are unable to contribute financially. The campaign also notes that "the last thing this family should have to worry about right now is how they are going to manage financially when all of their energy needs to be on Odin and his healing."
Lake Travis is scheduled to open its 2026 football season on August 28 against Dripping Springs. The team's upcoming season has been put into perspective by the medical emergency that has befallen Hensley, a senior on the varsity football team.
As the fundraising campaign continues to gain momentum, the community is rallying around Hensley's family, offering support and prayers for his recovery. The outcome of Hensley's condition remains uncertain, but the community's response has been a heartening display of solidarity and concern.
Source: Yahoo Sports