A Cypress Springs High School student-athlete recovers from a coma after heat stroke during practice in Texas heat.
HOUSTON — A Houston-area high school football player is on the road to recovery after a terrifying, near-fatal heat stroke landed him in a coma for over a week.
Jarvis Spires, a student-athlete at Cypress Springs High School, collapsed after pushing through a football practice with a personal trainer in the intense Texas heat on July 5.
His mother, Alzadia Spires, said her son had to be resuscitated, underwent emergency surgery and was in a coma for nine days at Texas Children’s Hospital.
“I can’t tell you how many times the doctors told me how serious this is — that it could have been prevented,” Alzadia said. “It was scary, but I kept my faith because I just knew he was in good hands.”
Doctors told the family that Jarvis was severely dehydrated. His older brother Gregory, who also played football alongside him, said the experience changed his outlook.
“I started taking hydration more seriously,” Gregory said.
Jarvis had been on track to graduate early in December and already had college offers on the table. His family says they’re incredibly thankful he’s alive.
“He keeps saying, ‘I’m gonna come back bigger and stronger,’” his mom shared.
Now, the Spires family is using their story to raise awareness about the dangers of heat stroke, especially as extreme temperatures continue across Texas.
“This isn’t just about drinking water,” Alzadia said. “It’s about replenishing electrolytes, too. Have those conversations.”
The family says Jarvis’ recovery will take time, and they’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover growing medical expenses.