Springs cricket player dies after having heart attack on the field
Butch Edwards suffered a heart attack during a cricket match against Benoni Northerns last Saturday.
During a cricket match against Benoni Northerns at Old Boys Club last Saturday, Springs third league player Butch Edwards suffered a pulmonary embolism followed by a heart attack and sadly passed away on Sunday.
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His older brother, Glen Edwards, says that Butch had no choice but to cancel his medical aid four days before the incident, so Glen signed a consent form accepting responsibility allowing his brother to be admitted to the private N17 Hospital.
He is now attempting to raise funds to cover his exorbitant medical bills.
Butch was an avid sportsman and had been playing for more than 40 years.
Amid the ninth over, about 40 minutes into the game, Butch collapsed on the non-strikers end of the pitch while batting, says Benoni player Lance Pooley.
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“He complained of a headache and chest pain and stopped frequently to drink water,” he says.
Lance Pooley, along with teammates Gareth Dane and Wesley Hinstridge, as well as Springsite Brett Mostert responded with first aid on the field and decided to rush Butch to the N17 Hospital when the ambulance had not arrived and his condition deteriorated.
Although Butch had a brain injury, he regained consciousness and was moved from the ICU to the general ward on Thursday, Glen says.
He says that he has been completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends, family and even complete strangers.
Visit the Butch Fundraiser Facebook page for more information on upcoming events or to purchase a bracelet made by a close family friend.
