During the Semifinals of the Mulhall-Orlando Invitational basketball tournament in Oklahoma earlier this month, Randy Vitales, a 16-year-old sophomore from Dover High School, collapsed from cardiac arrest just three minutes into the game. KOCO-TV reports that Magnus Miller, an 18-year-old player from Life Christian Academy and a trained lifeguard, immediately ran to Vitales' aid and started performing CPR. First Responders later confirmed that Magnus "without a shadow of a doubt" saved Randy's life. Magnus was shocked to see Randy on the ground. "He just made a lay up and I was getting the inbounds pass, about to dribble up the court and I turn around and he's on the ground".
As Magnus performed CPR the coaches brought out an automated external defibrillator and thankfully Magnus had recently been trained on that piece of equipment as well. Magnus and several of the coaches worked on Randy for almost 30 minutes till Firefighters arrived.
Last week, the two teens met for the first time since the incident, and shared an emotional moment. Randy was overwhelmed as he said “You saved my life”. Magnus said "There's no way you were going to die on that court. I wasn't going to let you"!
To help with hospital costs, the Dover and Life Christian Academy's basketball teams will play again at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond on Tuesday night. The game is open for anyone to attend, and all ticket sales will go to Vitales’ family.
To support Vitales' recovery and honor Miller, the teens’ schools plan to hold a benefit basketball game at the University of Central Oklahoma this week. The game will raise funds for Vitales' hospital costs, with admission by donation and all proceeds going to his family. Miller, the coaches, and first responders will also be honored during the event.