Rochester varsity football player who collapsed during game has brain bleed, family says
ROCHESTER, Pa. (KDKA) -- A Rochester High School football player was hospitalized after collapsing during a game against Shenango on Friday.
Carter Mason took a hit in the fourth quarter of the game, walked off the field on his power, and then collapsed on the sidelines.
Medical staff quickly came to his aid, and the game was paused.
Carter's family told KDKA-TV that he had a seizure.
"Apparently, he must have bumped in with another player and was hit on the left side of his head, and he had collapsed, they said it looked like seizures, and they got an ambulance for him and took him up to Children's Hospital. They [flew] him to Children's Hospital," Dorothy Mason, Carter's grandmother, said.
His grandmother says Carter has had concussions in the past from playing football.
Mason's family told KDKA-TV on Sunday that he suffered a brain bleed after a severe hit. His family says Carter is breathing on his own and has made progress in his recovery.
"They've removed the breathing tube, he's breathing on his own, they removed the EEG panels, he's got a fever, some pneumonia going on. He's got a whole lot of neurological issues from multiple concussions. We're just taking it day by day," Dean Friend, Carter's uncle, said.
Carter's family says there's still a long way to go with recovery, but they're grateful for all the support they've received.
The Rochester Area School District released a statement on social media, saying in part: "The school district, including families, students, and staff send their thoughts and prayers to the student, his family, our coaches and team, along with the Rochester school community."