OPINION | Views expressed in this article reflect the author's opinion.

There seems to be an increase in young, healthy individuals who are experiencing sudden and unexpected cardiac-related health issues.

On January 2nd, the world was shocked when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after a routine tackle during an NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Less than one week later, 19-year-old college sophomore Imo Eissen collapsed during a basketball game between Old Dominion and Georgia Southern.

Local TV outlet WAVY-TV in Norfolk, Virginia said everyone “watched in shock” as he dropped to the court mid-game. The scary scene occurred in Statesboro, Georgia.

Training staff from both schools rushed to help Essien. He didn’t appear to lose consciousness.

“Imo Essien was evaluated by the ODU Athletic Training staff along with the GA Southern medical staff,” Old Dominion said in a statement on Twitter.

“He was responsive throughout and was able to sit with the team for the duration of the game and drove home with the team.

“He is in good spirits and will work with the ODU Sports Medicine Staff when they return to Norfolk.”

ODU defeated Georgia Southern 81-75 in overtime.

— Advertisement —

More on this story via Western Journal:

This event comes in the wake of Hamlin’s cardiac arrest in Cincinnati, which could have cost him his life.

His terrifying first-quarter collapse would eventually cause the entire game to be canceled, with players understandably focused on matters much more important than football.

Unlike Essien, Hamlin wasn’t able to leave the field on his own two feet. He was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in critical condition.

Thankfully, he has also improved, and attending physicians removed his breathing tube last week.

While Hamlin began the early stages of recovery, the sporting world responded with an outpouring of prayers and support, completely inundating Hamlin’s GoFundMe dedicated to the Chasing M’s Foundation Community Toy Drive with donations. The fundraiser’s initial goal was $2,500. It had collected about $8.6 million as of Monday morning.