CHICAGO (AP) – A singer collapsed while leading the ‘Jackie Robinson Day’ festivities before the Chicago White Sox’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night.
The incident occurred shortly after the singer began performing the hymn ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’
The White Sox confirmed that Gerald Chaney, a longtime performer of the national anthem, was alert when he was taken to the hospital following the collapse. He had only sung a few words of the hymn before stopping and subsequently collapsing again.
Emergency Response
Emergency medical technicians attended to Chaney for several minutes on the field before transporting him on a gurney. Both teams observed the situation from their respective dugouts during this time.
Impact on the Game
Chaney was scheduled to perform ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ following ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’ Due to the incident, the start of the game was delayed by 12 minutes.
Team’s Statement
The White Sox expressed their support for Chaney and his family, stating, ‘The entire White Sox family is sending love to Gerald and his family for a full and speedy recovery.’