Tragedy has struck a Long Island community as a 17-year-old high school football player fights for his life after collapsing during training. Robert Bush of Selden, New York, suffered a cardiac event just minutes into conditioning drills with his Newfield High School teammates. Coaches immediately administered CPR and used a defibrillator until paramedics arrived and rushed him to Stony Brook University Hospital.
Despite these swift actions, Bush went without oxygen to his brain for a critical 45 minutes, leaving him with no brain function, according to his older brother, Steve. The cause of the sudden collapse remains unknown, as the family reports no prior history of heart problems. Robert, described as a determined young man with dreams of playing varsity football, was motivated by a desire to improve his health and embody the spirit of perseverance. His brother likened him to the inspirational figure of "Rudy."
The Bush family, known for their compassion in fostering over 300 children, has faced recent hardships, including the loss of their matriarch, Patricia, to cancer in 2017, and ongoing health challenges for their father. As the family grapples with this devastating situation, the Selden community rallied at Newfield High School to offer their support. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist the family during this difficult time.
