A Grade Seven learner from Laerskool Dr Havinga spent nine days in an induced coma at Johannesburg General Hospital after suffering a serious heart attack during a cricket match on August 3.

According to his mother, Charleen Lessing, 13-year-old Kyle collapsed on the field during a match against Laerskool Generaal De La Rey.

She credits Havies cricket coach and teacher Christiaan Boshoff with saving her son’s life after he immediately began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until paramedics arrived.

“Kyle had stopped breathing,” said Lessing. “Thanks to Mr Boshoff’s tireless efforts, Kyle started breathing again after nearly 20 minutes of CPR.”

Kyle was initially rushed to Helen Joseph Hospital, where he experienced breathing difficulties and seizures. He was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit at Johannesburg General Hospital and placed in an induced coma to help control the seizures.

Lessing said doctors have so far been unable to determine what caused the heart attack.

“Scans and tests thus far have been inconclusive, so we still don’t know what caused the heart attack,” she said.

She added that doctors were planning to perform a tracheostomy early the following week to help prevent infection and assist with the removal of mucus.

Laerskool Dr Havinga principal Hugo van As said the school community was praying for Kyle and his family.

“We are saddened by the awful events of the day. Kyle is a beloved learner at our school, and we’ll keep praying for his recovery,” said Van As.

“We are so grateful for the decisive actions of Mr Boshoff on the day, which no doubt kept Kyle alive until paramedics could reach him.”

A BackaBuddy fund has been established to help the family with Kyle’s future care costs. To contribute to the fund, visit it here.