Devin Butts, a 22-year-old basketball player for North Carolina Central University (NCCU), passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023, after collapsing during a pick-up game at the campus gym earlier in the week. His death has shocked and saddened his family, friends, teammates, coaches, and fans, who remember him as a talented and cheerful young man with a bright future. What was the cause of his death and how did it happen? Here is what we know so far.
The Collapse
According to The News & Observer, Butts collapsed during a pick-up game at the campus gym on Monday, May 1, 2023. He was rushed to a hospital, where he remained in critical condition until he died on Friday. The exact cause of his collapse and death has not been determined yet.
Butts’ coach, LeVelle Moton, told The News & Observer that he was not aware of any pre-existing medical conditions that could have contributed to Butts’ collapse. He said that Butts had passed all the physical exams and tests required by the NCAA and the university. He also said that Butts had not complained of any symptoms or discomfort before the incident.
Moton said that he was notified of Butts’ collapse by one of his assistants, who was at the gym when it happened. He said that he rushed to the hospital to be with Butts and his family. He said that he prayed and hoped for Butts’ recovery, but he also prepared for the worst.
“I knew it was serious when I got there,” Moton said. “I just tried to be strong for his family and for our team. But I also had to be realistic. I knew the odds were not in our favor.”
The Tribute
Butts’ death has sparked an outpouring of grief and support from the NCCU and Georgia basketball communities. NCCU Athletics released a statement on Friday, announcing Butts’ passing and expressing condolences to his family and friends.
“REST IN PEACE: North Carolina Central University mourns the loss of men’s basketball student-athlete Devin Butts, who passed away on Friday, May 5, at the age of 22,” the statement read.
Moton also paid tribute to Butts, saying that he was an incredible teammate and a joy to coach.
“We are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Devin. This is a devastating tragedy for our team, fans, and the entire NCCU community,” Moton said. “Devin will always be remembered as an incredible teammate that had an infectious smile at all times. Our heartfelt condolences are with his family and those who were blessed to know him.”
Butts’ former high school, Stratford Academy in Macon, Georgia, also honored him on Saturday, holding a memorial service at the gym where he starred as a player. Butts led Stratford to two state championships and was named the Georgia Class A Player of the Year in 2019. He scored over 2,000 points in his high school career and was ranked as one of the top prospects in the state.
Stratford’s head coach, Jamie Dickey, said that Butts was a special player and person, who inspired everyone around him.
“Devin was a once-in-a-lifetime player and a once-in-a-lifetime kid,” Dickey said. “He was a leader, a competitor, a winner, and a friend. He had a passion for the game and a love for life. He touched so many lives and made a lasting impact on our program and our school. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.”
The Legacy
Butts had a promising college career ahead of him, after transferring from Louisiana State University (LSU) to NCCU in 2022. He played in 17 games for the Eagles in the 2022-23 season, averaging 5.4 points and shooting 34.8 percent from the three-point range. He had a season-high 16 points against Toccoa Falls on January 3, 2023, and a career-high 22 points against Texas State on December 18, 2020, while playing for LSU.
Butts was also a dedicated student, who was set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in behavioral and social sciences this summer. He had aspirations to play professionally, either in the NBA or overseas.
Butts’ family, friends, and fans hope that his legacy will live on through his achievements and his spirit. They also hope that his death will raise awareness and prevention of sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading cause of death among young athletes in the U.S.
According to the American Heart Association, sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating unexpectedly, usually due to an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat. It can strike anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or fitness level. It can be triggered by physical exertion, such as playing sports, or by other factors, such as genetic conditions, drug abuse, or trauma.
The American Heart Association recommends that anyone who witnesses someone collapse or become unresponsive should call 911 and start CPR immediately. CPR can double or triple the chances of survival for someone who suffers sudden cardiac arrest. The use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), a device that can shock the heart back into a normal rhythm, can also increase the survival rate.
The American Heart Association also advises that young athletes should undergo regular physical exams and screenings for heart conditions, especially if they have a family history of heart disease or sudden cardiac death. They should also be aware of the warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or palpitations, and seek medical attention if they experience any of them.
Devin Butts was a young man who loved basketball and life. He had a bright future and a big heart. He was taken away too soon, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him. Rest in peace, Devin. You will always be remembered.
