Community rallies for student athlete who collapsed during game

Sophomore Matt Stratman was playing June 9 in a Lakota West alumni lacrosse game when he collapsed.

Teammates and coaches initially thought he was overcome by heat, but his condition quickly worsened and Stratman was rushed to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

The teen was diagnosed with an AVM (arteriovenous malformation), which involves bleeding in the brain, and he remains in coma, according to a GoFundMe page created to help the family defray medical costs.

Stratman was listed in critical condition Tuesday, according to Jim Feuer, a spokesman for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Sunday saw hundreds of Lakota school and community supporters form a tunnel of support for Stratman’s family at Lakota West Stadium in West Chester Twp.

The GoFundMe page has already raised more than $11,000, exceeding its initial $10,000 goal.

“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Matt and his family during this difficult time. It’s been heartwarming to witness the Lakota community coming together to support the Stratmans,” Matt Miller, superintendent of Lakota Schools, said.