Fans who tuned in for the Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals were shocked and heartbroken as they watched Bills player Damar Hamlin suffer a life-altering medical emergency on the field. Viewers held their breath as Damar was removed from the field and taken to an ambulance. Now, those same fans are showing their support by donating to Damar's favorite charity.
Damar collapsed after tackling Bengals receiver Tee Higgins.
The hit should have been followed by a moment of celebration from Bills fans, but just seconds after the Damar stopped Tee, tragedy struck. Cameras caught the incident, and viewers watched as the safety collapsed to the turf shortly after the play.
Damar remained limp for a few moments before the medical team rushed in to administer CPR.
The 24-year-old's mom was in the stands when he collapsed.
According to reports coming out of the game, Damar's cheering section on Monday night included his mom, which means she watched the entire thing unfold in real time. Heartbreakingly, that would include the 10 agonizing minutes when medical professionals tried to restart the young athlete’s heart.
Grief-stricken fans have found a productive way to celebrate Damar while he battles for his life.
CNN reports that Damar is sedated and in critical condition following Monday night's collapse. With no additional updates on Damar's prognosis, many have turned to the GoFundMe page Damar had set up for The Chasing M's Foundation.
Damar originally set up the online fundraiser in hopes of raising $2,500 for Kelly and Nina's Daycare Center in his hometown of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.
Damar wanted to use his NFL fame for good.
In a statement he wrote when he set up on the account back in 2020, Damar said he was "committed" to using his platform to "positively impact" the community that raised him, according to the Associated Press.
Before the incident on Monday night, the GoFundMe account had only raised $2,291 in the two years since he opened it; the total rose to a whopping $4 million in less than 24 hours after the game, bypassing Damar's wildest dreams.
We hope Damar will make a full recovery.
On Tuesday morning, Damar's family shared a statement with fans, thanking them for their love and support, while also thanking the first responders who were there when Damar needed him most.
Here's hoping we'll get a positive update on his condition soon. Until then, it's clear that fans are committed to fulfilling his wishes and raising money for the community that helped him become the NFL star he is today.
