Charlotte area high school basketball player collapses on the court

CHARLOTTE — A high school basketball player was taken to a hospital after collapsing during a game Tuesday night.

Rocky River High School was playing a conference tournament game at Independence High School when the player went down.

The player, identified as Henry Price, didn’t move for several minutes. Emergency responders then used what appeared to be a defibrillator on Price for an apparent heart issue.

The player sat up, and he was carried away on a stretcher.

On Thursday, his mom spoke to The Observer via text message.

“Oh boy, it’s truly been a wave of emotions,” Tasha Price wrote in a text message. “However, I truly feel the love and support from my Rocky (River) family. ... A special sincere thank you to (Butler High School trainer Wesley Hickling) for allowing God to use his hands to keep my baby breathing.”

She also thanked the community for “all for the prayers and encouraging words.”

Conference officials suspended the game and announced no makeup games were played on Wednesday. Counseling will also be available for students who need it.

There has been an outpouring of support for Price across the region. Many people are wishing him a speedy recovery, as well as, sending prayers to his family.

Channel 9 reporter Dashawn Brown spoke with Atrium Health Sports Medicine Physician Dr. David Price about how he believed the district should have responded to the incident.

“Often, they’re starting CPR, if you’ve seen some of the high-profile cases immediately. As soon as they can get to the patient and can assess whether he has a pulse,” Price said.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools sent Channel 9 the following statement on Wednesday:

“Rocky River High athlete Henry Price collapsed while playing in the Southwestern 4A Conference basketball tournament at Independence High School. While onsite, medics responded immediately to provide medical care and transported him to the hospital for additional treatment.

“We recognize the impact this incident may have on students who were present and to our entire school community. Counseling services will be offered throughout the week and are available to any student in need of assistance.

“We are hopeful for a speedy recovery and ask that you join us in keeping the student and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your continued support of the Rocky River community.”

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