'He's a fighter': Vigils held across U.S as Hamlin remains critical after on-field cardiac arrest

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin remains in a critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday.

Hamlin was given CPR on the field after colliding with Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins before being taken to hospital in Cincinnati.

“Damar Hamlin spent last night in the intensive care unit and remains there today in critical condition at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center,” the Bills posted on their official Twitter account.

The Bills said earlier on Tuesday: “Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest following a hit in our game versus the Bengals.

“His heartbeat was restored on the field and he was transferred to the UC Medical Center for further testing and treatment. He is currently sedated and listed in critical condition.”

The game had been postponed following the incident and on Tuesday NFL announced it would not be resumed this week, the Week 18 schedule was unchanged, and a decision on the Bills-Bengals game would be made later.

Jordon Rooney, a family representative who described himself as a good friend of the player, told ABC’s “Good Morning America” Hamlin’s relatives are in good spirits but going through a lot and need their privacy. 

Of Hamlin he added: “All I can say is he’s fighting; he’s a fighter.”

In a statement on the incident, the NFL said: “Hamlin received immediate medical attention on the field by team and independent medical staff and local paramedics.

“He was then transported to a local hospital where he is in a critical condition.”

Players from both sides were emotionally distraught after the incident, some openly crying, while others began to pray. The fans remained completely silent in the stands.

“We’ve seen ambulances on the field before….this felt different from anything we have seen in modern times,” said a Monday Night Football commentator.

“This one had a particularly chilling, jarring, frightening feel to it.”

There was an outpouring of emotion across the United States in response to the incident, with fans gathering outside the University of Cincinnati Medical Center to hold candlelit vigils, as well as Highmark Stadium in Buffalo.

His family said they were “deeply moved” by the displays of affection.

“On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words and donations from fans around the country,” Hamlin’s family said in a statement.

The incident sparked an astonishing surge in support for a charitable campaign set up by Hamlin two years ago to purchase toys for children in need.

Donations to the Chasing M’s Foundation Community Toy Drive had skyrocketed past $4m by midday Tuesday local time and showed no sign of stopping.

Messages of support for Hamlin poured in following the incident, which came in the penultimate week of the NFL’s regular season.

They include one from the player he tackled, Higgins, who offered his “prayers and thoughts” to Hamlin and his family and added on Twitter: “I’m praying that you pull through bro. Love.”

Buffalo are the only franchise to play in New York state and Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York City, led the prayers for the player.

Hamlin was the 6th-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft and has played 14 games for the Bills this season.