A serious injury marred a high school football game in Westmoreland County, as Valley High School senior Josh Dunlap was airlifted to UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh on Friday night. According to WTAE, a medical helicopter was called to the scene during the game between Southmoreland and Valley High Schools. Dunlap, a defensive back for the Valley Vikings, had reportedly suffered a neck injury on the last play of the game.
While details of Dunlap's condition were not disclosed, New Kensington-Arnold School District athletic director Joe Skura, in a statement detailed by TribLIVE, expressed pride in the response of staff, coaches, and first responders to the emergency. "I’m very proud of the way our staff handled the entire situation," said Skura, "We have a great group of people that work at those games who are prepared for every situation we faced tonight."
The emergency overshadowed what should have been a celebratory moment for Dunlap, who had just been named the Vikings' Player of the Game. The field adjacent to the stadium served as a makeshift landing zone for the helicopter. Attempts to reach Valley coach Mark Adams late Friday night were unsuccessful as he had not returned calls by press time. The athletic director also mentioned two separate medical incidents following the game, involving an individual struggling to reach their vehicle and another experiencing what appeared to be a panic or anxiety attack.
As further information becomes available, the condition of the injured player and the circumstances surrounding the events of the night will be closely monitored.
