Terrible happening. Let’s hope the young man lives..

Updated 

Tulane S Walker breaks neck in hit to helmet

TULSA, Okla. — Tulane safety Devon Walker suffered a broken neck and collapsed lung Saturday in a head-to-head collision with a teammate during a game with Tulsa, according to a Tulane trainer.

Walker was revived on the field and a tracheotomy was performed. Walker is currently in the emergency and trauma center at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, but there is no further update on his condition.

According to the Johns Hopkins Hospital‘s website, an injury to the neck at the first and second vertebrae in the spinal column — and especially lower in the third through fifth vertebrae — can affect respiratory muscles and the ability to breathe.

The injury occurred on the last play of the first half. Walker had a helmet-to-helmet collision with teammate Julius Warmsley while trying to tackle Tulsa back Willie Carter. Walker then rolled on his back and didn’t move.

FOX reported he stopped breathing when emergency medical workers removed his jersey and shoulder pads. The network said workers administered CPR and put in an IV before Walker began breathing again.

A hush went over the crowd at H.A. Stadium as Walker was attended to on the field. Several coaches were in tears. Spectators bowed their heads as someone on the field led the stadium in prayer.

Walker is a senior majoring in cell and molecular biology. His brother, Raynard, told The Associated Press that their mother was watching the game on television when her son was injured.

The family was waiting for an update on Walker’s condition, he said.

“We haven’t heard much at all,” he added. “We’re still kind of in the dark right now.”

Tulane head coach Curtis Johnson told a FOX Sports sideline TV reporter after the 45-10 loss that he hadn’t received an update on Walker’s condition, but said the injury had devastated his team.

“He’s one of us, and he’s a good kid,” Johnson said.