Posted on 07/19/2026 4:05:05 PM PDT by nickcarraway
An 18-year-old freshman suddenly suffered a life-threatening tear in his aorta on the basketball court, despite having no known history of heart problems.
Jackson Scarborough, a 6-foot-9 incoming freshman at Fresno City College, is recovering after collapsing during basketball activities nearly two weeks ago, prompting coaches and athletic staff to call for emergency medical help that his family says ultimately saved his life.
The towering teenager had just finished watching film with teammates and had not yet begun any physical activity when he started feeling intense chest pain, according to Fresno City College athletic trainer Francisco Gamboa.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
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Shades of Hank Gathers.
Very lucky guy. He should buy a lottery ticket.
In the old days, meaning prior to about five years ago, the only cause of heart problems in a previously healthy 18 year old was cocaine use.
The most common cause of cardiovascular death in males under 30 is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Your state is incorrect.
Normally, my first thought in this aspect is Marfan Syndrome, but he doesn’t look the type.
“In the old days, meaning prior to about five years ago, the only cause of heart problems in a previously healthy 18 year old was cocaine use.”
It started long before 2021. Studies were following the trend even in 2010.
Len Bias.
He was gonna fill the gap left by Bird.
Poster child for families and agents handling young talent.
I believe that’s what Chuck Hughes of the Lions had when he dropped dead on the field in 1971.
Goes unrecognized frequently until someone dies a sudden cardiac death from it. The article, though, seems to suggest that this ball player had a dissecting aortic aneurysm. That would be a bit unusual.
Isn’t that what killed Lindsey Graham?
Keyonnte Johnson for our Gators too. I wonder where he is now?
Playing in China.
The guy had an aortic tear. That’s ^ risk with Marfan Syndrome patients. So are aneurysms. Connective tissue disorder. My Brother has Marfan Syndrome. He’s 6’11”. Has had multiple aortic surgeries. Still alive. Father and sister also with Marfan. Both deceased. The guy most likely has undiagnosed Marfan Syndrome. Either way his basketball career is over.
Had to look it up but yes, it seems like that was his cause of death.
Agree. The pics don’t get close enough. Longer than average finger length, thin head, wide wing span, thin body type. Risk of aortic dissection about 250 times more than average person.
He is very fortunate to have not been under high stress with high pressures in his aorta....he could have bled uncontrollably into his abdomen or chest cavity. I have seen a couple of those.(Older persons...not Marfans) Very discouraging. Can’t give blood or fluid fast enough.
In before safe and effective.
Wow 17 posts and nobody has blamed the clot shot!
What restraint.
95% of the time that’s fatal. The kid is very lucky.
CC
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