Detroit Northwestern senior suffers cardiac arrest on basketball court: 'We're asking for prayer'

Family of 18-year-old who suffered cardiac arrest playing basketball asks for prayers

The family of Cartier Woods raced to Henry Ford Hospital Tuesday night after the senior at Northwestern High School collapsed on the basketball court.

DETROIT (FOX 2) - The family of 18-year-old Cartier Woods raced to Henry Ford Hospital Tuesday night after the senior at Northwestern High School collapsed on the basketball court.

A mother's pain, an auntie's prayer: "Please, wake up," said Dwanda Woods.

"So devastating, but he's a strong fighter - he's going to keep fighting," said Ashley Goode.

School administrators say Woods suffered cardiac arrest during a basketball game. Someone administered CPR and paramedics rushed him to the hospital - where he was put on life support.

The longtime football and basketball player - minutes earlier - had been doing what he loved.

"Oh he's been playing since he was maybe about 10 years old," said Woods, his aunt and guardian. "He's been playing football - basketball - nothing else he liked to do, but that."

Cartier's family says he was in good health and so active. They just don't understand how something like this - could happen to someone so young.

"He was very healthy - he loved basketball," said Shantell Woods, his cousin. "He was very amenable, respectful. We're just asking for prayer - we need it."

Now his family waits, hopes, and prays.

"He has a lot, a lot, a lot of people that loves him - from kindergarten to now - they just love him - he's no bad kid - they love Cartier Woods," said Dwanda.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District released a statement saying their hearts are heavy and they are collectively praying for Cartier's recovery.

The medical emergency is eerily reminiscent of the horrifying scene during a recent Monday Night Football game when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after a hit.

"Cardiac arrest is when the electrical activity of the heart stops or it goes into a rhythm that's not conducive to life," said Donulae Knuckles. "Knowing what to do in that case - in initiating care right away, is so important."

Donulaye Knuckles is a registered nurse and doctoral candidate who owns Knuckles Health Education Services. She trains people in CPR - and says for those in cardiac arrest, using an AED - or Automated External Defibrillator - like the one used on Damar Hamlin - can save lives.

"That's a machine that recognizes the heart's rhythm, and if prompted, it will allow you to bring a shock putting that heart back into a normal rhythm," Knuckles said.

FOX 2 has learned paramedics did use an AED on Cartier in the ambulance.

"We're all just praying and hoping he wakes up," said Dwanda.

A gofundme has been set up for Cartier. Find it here.