ESPN analyst and former professional goaltender Shaka Hislop collapsed unexpectedly on Sunday during a live broadcast at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.
The incident occurred during the pre-game show ahead of a friendly match between AC Milan and Real Madrid.
While performing his job as an ESPN analyst, Hislop was talking to his co-host, Dan Thomas. In the middle of their conversation, the 54-year-old began to stagger and soon after fell towards Thomas.
The sudden development immediately alarmed those present and medical personnel were immediately called to the scene.
The broadcast was briefly interrupted as attention turned to Hislop’s well-being, with viewers expressing concern and support on social media.
The video of the terrifying incident has gone viral on social media.
Through Suddenly died:
Born in England, Hislop has had a successful career as a goalkeeper, with a career spanning over a decade with clubs such as West Ham United, Newcastle United and Portsmouth, as well as the Trinidad and Tobago national team. After retiring from the sport, Hislop joined ESPN as a football analyst and gave his expert opinion on the game.
ESPN analyst Dan Thomas tweeted encouraging news that his co-anchor was “conscious and medics are taking care of him.”
Shaka is conscious. The medics are watching him.
— Dan Thomas (@DanThomasESPN) July 24, 2023
At half-time, as AC Milan led Real Madrid 2-0, Dan Thomas gave an update on his colleague.
“Obviously my buddy Shaka isn’t here with us, but as it stands now, it’s good news. He’s conscious, he’s talking,” Thomas shared with viewers.
“I think he’s a little embarrassed about all this, and he’s apologized profusely. [Shaka] is not a man who likes people making a fuss about him,” he added.
Thomas reassured viewers, adding, “It’s far too early to diagnose, but the most important thing is that Shaka is conscious.”
Thomas also reported on the impact the incident had on Hislop’s family, who were no doubt shocked to see the event happen live.
“We’ve also talked to his family… We’ve talked to his wife and it looks good, silly Shaka,” Thomas said.
Dan Thomas gave an update on Shaka Hislop’s condition.
Shaka is “conscious and talking” and has been taken care of by medics 🙏 pic.twitter.com/B3mlEsxUfw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 24, 2023