SUMMIT, NJ - The condition of David Field, the referee who collapsed during the lacrosse game between Summit High School and Cherry Creek, CO, April 2, has stabilized, according to an official with the New Jersey Interscholastic Lacrosse Officials Association.
Field appeared to stumble, then fall to the turf with 55 seconds remaining in the first quarter. He was then immediately attended to by Summit High School athletic trainer Karen Manista, and multiple persons immediately called 9-1-1.
Within minutes, the Summit Police Department and Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad Emergency Medical Services personnel were on he scene, administering CPR and chest compression.
Several minutes later, Field was lifted into an ambulance, which had pulled onto the playing surface. The coaching staffs had sent the two teams to the locker room almost immediately after it appeared that Field was in significant distress. The game, which was tied 1-1 when the incident occurred, was canceled.
Dave Frick, president of the NJILOA told TAPinto Summit that Field, "was improving." Field, who is listed in critical condition at Overlook, is also "responding" to communication from the medical personnel attending to him and his family.
"The Field family and the Association are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers offered to David and his family by the Summit community, Summit lacrosse community, and the lacrosse community as a whole," said Frick.
On April 2, Summit Superintendent of Schools June Chang, in an e-mail to parents, issued the following statement:
"On Friday afternoon, April 1st, a referee of the Summit boys lacrosse game suffered a stroke during the game at Tatlock Park. Emergency measures were provided on the field and he was taken to Overlook Hospital, where he remains.
Although we do not have details on his condition at this time, the Summit community will keep him and his family in our thoughts.
We will have counselors on hand on Monday to support any student athlete who may need to speak privately."
This is a developing story, which TAPinto Summit will update when more details are known.
