AED helps save a life at Nebraska Senior Softball game
Below is an email we’ve been given permission to share from the Nebraska Senior Softball league. On May 12, 2025, one of the players went down after suffering a heart attack. Thanks to quick thinking team members, and an on-site AED, John was able to be saved. You can also read the story on WOWT Channel 6 News’ website.
May 13, 2025
Everyone,
As many of you have heard, there was a medical emergency at the fields last night, Monday, May 12th. In the 8:45 game between the Rangers & Yankees, on Field 3, a player had a heart-related serious injury. I have been given permission to share details.
John Erwin, of the Rangers, was playing 2B when he suddenly went to the ground. It was obvious immediately that something serious was wrong. Players gathered around quickly and sprung into action.
This is what I have learned. John's heart had stopped, and he was not breathing. His skin color quickly changed to grayish/purple, and something had to be done IMMEDIATELY.
SEVERAL players and fans jumped into action. I will point out a few that I learned were involved, but I am sure that there are those that helped that I will fail to mention. A big "THANK YOU" to ALL that stepped up and helped save John's life.
Immediately upon seeing the severity of the situation, Jeff Harper and John Walsh began yelling for someone to retrieve the AED. Bo Boozikee ran to the shed and got the AED and took it to Field 3.
Upon hearing this, Brian Kottich ran from Field 4 to Field 3 and began helping adminster CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitiation. Once the AED was acquired, Brian and his wife, Stephanie, administered two "shocks" to John. These actions helped John begin breathing on his own.
Meanwhile, Marty Boozikee, and others had ran down, cleared and opened the gate for the emergency vehicles that would arrive shortly.
The rescue squad arrived and the paramedics took over. As they wheeled John off, he was breathing on his own.
Another person I want to give a "shout out" to is Larry Peterson, one of the league's chaplains. After they had taken John away, Larry led a group of probably 30 to 40 people, both players and fans, in a prayer on the infield of Field 3. Larry's words were definitely heartfelt and spiritual, and were something everyone there needed to hear.
Now, for the good news! The following is a text forwarded to me this morning from Brad Kroeger, John's manager, of the Rangers. I have received permission to share the text...
Good morning. This is Tabatha, John's daughter. I just wanted to let you know he's doing okay. He had a 99% blockage in his main artery. They cleared it with a catheter last night. There are not enough words in the world to express my gratitude to the team. The team of doctors and nurses said he would not be alive if it weren't for you guys.
Wow. WOW! That is GREAT news! It sounds like John will be out at the ballpark again before we know it! I don't know how soon he will be playing again, but if and when we all get to see him again, be sure to stop him and say "HI," and that we missed him!
I know that I have said it before a million times, but I am going to say it again...
The longer you play in this league, the more it becomes like family.
I am so proud to be a part of an organization like ours. Knowing that there are men and women that are ready to "step up" in the event of an emergency is truly a comforting thought.
We can all gripe about the softball side of things, but an incident like last night truly shows how lucky we are to be able to play this game, and to be surrounded by HEROES that have our backs if something serious should happen.
Incidents like this have happened before, and unfortunately, will probably happen again. We will learn from this incident and try to make improvements wherever we can.
If I left anyone out that had a hand in saving John's life, I apologize for that.
Just know that EVERYONE involved last night deserves a big "THANK YOU."
Sincerely,
Tom Holder
Communications Director
Nebraska Senior Softball
director_communications@neseniorsoftball.com