High school football ref becomes hero after fellow official collapses on field

Sylacauga defeated Central Coosa 44-22 in both teams’ season opener last Friday night but less than a week later, it’s not the final score that everyone in attendance will remember.

In the first half of the Week 0 game, AHSAA referee Joey Shellnut collapsed on the field after spotting the ball for the next play. He was having a heart attack.

The quick thinking from fellow official Lew Murphy helped turn the scary situation into a night to remember.

Murphy was the first to begin applying CPR to Shellnut on the field, a moment that was captured by local photographer Jimmy Reynolds Jr.

Reports from the field said Shellnut was resuscitated at least twice before being taken away in an ambulance. Further reports said Shellnut is now recovering in the hospital after successful open heart surgery.

Social media was flooded with posts + reactions from people who were in attendance but the story made national headlines.

The Sylacauga Walmart also got involved, making a Facebook post the day after the game about Murphy, who happens to also work at the store.

“At Walmart, we believe our associates are the heart of our company — and sometimes, that heart beats the loudest in moments of need… Lew’s actions remind us all what it means to live our Walmart values: service to others, respect, excellence, and integrity. He is a shining example of how our associates go beyond the walls of our stores to care for people in the communities we serve.

“We are incredibly proud to call Lew part of our Walmart family. Please join us in celebrating his heroism and keeping Joey Shelnutt in our thoughts and prayers as he continues to recover.”

Walmart Sylacauga

We reached out to the Alabama High School Athletic Association for comment on this story but have not received an official statement at the time of publication.

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