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Former HBCU player suffered cardiac arrest; family creates GoFundMe
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- Former HBCU player suffered cardiac arrest; family creates GoFundMe
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A former HBCU football player has suffered a cardiac arrest, and his family is raising money to help with recovery. Former Johnson C. Smith football player Darius "DJ" Jones recently suffered a cardiac arrest. Per a report by The Charlotte Observer, the medical emergency with Jones occurred on May 24 as he collapsed after returning home from getting food for his family.
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According to the Charlotte Observer, Jones is being treated in the intensive care unit at Carolinas Medical Center. He is receiving support from an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine, which was assisting the function of his heart and lungs.
Jones, 35, currently serves as an assistant coach at Hough High School in Charlotte. While a student at Johnson C. Smith University, he played on the football team and became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc . Per his LinkedIn, he's served as the assistant coach at Hough High School since 2022.
Jones's family has started a GoFundMe to aid in his recovery that has received over $18,000 in donations at the time of this writing.
"As DJ continues this fight, the emotional and financial strain on his family continues to grow," the statement said. "His significant other remains by his side every day while caring for their son and navigating the uncertainty ahead. Doctors anticipate a long recovery that may include extensive rehabilitation, long-term heart support, and potentially even a heart transplant.
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The family also added on the GoFundMe website, We are asking for your support, whether through a donation, a prayer, or by sharing this page. Every contribution will help cover medical expenses, travel, household bills, childcare, lost income, and give the family the ability to focus fully on DJ's healing. Most importantly, we ask for your prayers, for strength, healing, and hope."
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