DODGE CITY, Kan. – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has launched an investigation following a serious “medical incident” involving two student athletes from Dodge City Community College (DCCC). The incident, which occurred on Thursday, August 7, resulted in both students being hospitalized, one of whom remains in critical condition.
According to information confirmed by the KBI to KWCH 12 News, one of the athletes was discovered unconscious in a field at approximately 5:30 p.m. following a cross-country practice. On the day of the incident, temperatures in Dodge City soared to a high of 102 degrees, with a heat index of 105.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene before both students were transported to St. Catherine Hospital-Dodge City. One of the athletes has since been treated and released. However, the other student was flown to Wichita for advanced medical care and is currently listed in critical condition.
Dodge City Community College has provided minimal details regarding the event, referring to it only as a “medical incident” and stating that the health and safety of its student athletes are a top priority. The college has not yet confirmed whether the incident was heat-related and has not released information on its protocols for practicing in extreme heat.
KWCH 12 News reached out to the DCCC president’s office, the board of trustees, and the athletics department. To date, the only response received was a confirmation that two athletes were taken to the hospital last Thursday.
Credit: KWCH 12 News in Wichita, Kansas
