A Louisiana State University basketball player suddenly collapsed behind President Joe Biden on Friday during the team’s national championship celebration at the White House.
Video of the moment shows freshman Sa’Myah Smith collapsing during Biden’s remarks.
“Help help help help help,” someone says as all of the attention in the room turns to Smith.
Seconds before the White House cuts their video feed, Biden says, “Folks, it’s ok.”
According to the Daily Advertiser, LSU coach Kim Mulkey said the athlete “was fine.”
“As you can see, we leave our mark wherever we go,” Mulkey said. “No, Sa’Myah is fine for those of you who are concerned. Sa’Myah is fine I’ll assure you of that. She’s kind of, right now, embarrassed. She doesn’t want to leave, she wants to stand with us but she needs to be checked out.”
Earlier this year, a former NFL linebacker has died at the age of 25, the team announced, while the circumstances of his death — including when and how it happened — remain unclear.
The linebacker, Jessie Lemonier, played in seven games with the Detroit Lions during the 2021 season. He transferred to the Arizona Cardinals in May, but was released by that team before playing any games.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier,” the Lions tweeted in a statement. “Jessie was a model teammate and wonderful young man who is gone far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Also in January, Hunter Brown, an offensive lineman on the Air Force Academy football team, died suddenly on his way to class. He was a 21-year-old cadet third class, the academy’s term for sophomore.
This was a breaking news story. The details were periodically updated as more information became available.
