Matawan Teen Suffered Heart Attack at Practice

The police and community are coming together to help raise money to help the family with medical bills for this 16-year old.

Darrell Rogers, Jr., who was a sophomore at Matawan High School this past school year, suffered sudden cardiac arrest while at a basketball practice in May.

The varsity player collapsed suddenly. The Matawan Patch reports it was due to an undiagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a common and hard-to-detect cause of sudden heart attacks in teen and young adult athletes.

Two basketball coaches gave him CPR and he was rushed by helicopter to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

The basketball coaches at Matawan Regional High School describe Darrell as a hard-working young kid who loved the game. Recovery is a long process.

The Asbury Park Press reported that his coaches said he may have suffered some minor kidney damage due to lack of oxygen. He has been at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia all these months to get the best treatment and therapy possible.

One police officer who has been in touch with the family says the last time he got an update, Darrell was walking with assistance and had some memory issues, but was getting closer to being released from the hospital.

Darrell was a starter for the Matawan-Aberdeen Huskies and it was his dream to play at the college level. His coaches say he was constantly working out and just kept getting better and better. At times he was the best player on the team. He is also described as full of life and one of the happiest, brightest kids to be around.

The medical expenses for Darrell are large. That's why another fundraiser is taking place, and you're invited.

The Matawan and Aberdeen Police Departments have come together to help raise money by holding a charity softball game. All proceeds will benefit Darrell and his care.

The game will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 21st, at Fireman's Field (corner of Lloyd Rd. and Gerard Ave.) in Aberdeen starting at 6 pm. Tickets are $10. Contact Sgt. Christopher Stark of the Matawan Police at 732-290-2020 ext. 2923 or Patrolman Frank Maisano of the Aberdeen Police at 732-583-4200 ext. 763.

Tickets can also be picked up at Matawan Police Headquarters Mon. - Fri., 8 am - 4 pm. A percentage of the proceeds from food truck vendors at the game will also go to benefit Darrell Rogers, Jr.

If you can't make it to the game, an online donations page has been set up by the Matawan Boys Basketball Coaching Staff. CLICK HERE if you can donate.