UConn Student Survived Cardiac Arrest After CPR
A UConn student returned to health after suffering cardiac arrest during an ROTC run on September 16.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Heart Disease
Leo Gilman, a University of Connecticut student, suffered cardiac arrest while running with his ROTC unit in Storrs on September 16, 2026. He was revived after fellow team members performed life-saving CPR.
Why it matters
The rapid intervention by bystanders highlights the critical importance of immediate CPR training in emergency cardiac situations where every second counts for survival.
Gilman was in a state of clinical death for 6 minutes before being revived by team members. The underlying cause of his sudden cardiac emergency remains under medical investigation.
The players
Leo Gilman
He is a University of Connecticut student who experienced a sudden medical emergency during an ROTC training run.
Hartford Hospital
This major medical center in Connecticut provided emergency treatment and stabilization for the student.
The details
After collapsing during the run, Gilman received immediate CPR from members of his ROTC unit, which sustained his life until he could be transported by LIFE STAR helicopter to Hartford Hospital. He has since recovered and is preparing to resume his academic schedule.
Timeline
September 16, 2026: Leo Gilman collapsed during an ROTC run.
The week of October 5, 2026: Gilman is scheduled to return to classes at UConn.
The Big Picture
This event follows a pattern of high-profile cardiac survival cases that underscore the efficacy of bystander CPR, similar to the public attention surrounding the 2023 Damar Hamlin cardiac arrest incident.
This incident serves as a practical reminder of the necessity for students and faculty to maintain current CPR certification. Understanding that immediate physical intervention can be the difference between life and death encourages proactive health training.
The takeaway
Sudden cardiac events can occur unexpectedly in healthy individuals, making the presence of trained peers vital for survival. Students are encouraged to learn basic life support skills to be prepared for emergency situations on campus.
Further reading
Learn more about emergency response and cardiac health in the Heart Disease section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTNH.
