Thursday, October 1, 2026
A Nassau County high school basketball referee is recovering after collapsing on a court in Freeport on Friday, Jan. 16, marking the second time in a decade that he has survived a cardiac emergency during a game.
Terry Twibell collapsed at the division line of the court just two minutes and 37 seconds into the first quarter of the Uniondale vs. Freeport girls varsity basketball game at Freeport High School, according to Omar Jolly, head of officiating for Section VIII.
Twibell suffered cardiac arrest and was revived by first responders, including Freeport athletic and medical staff and a fan who is a medical professional, who administered life-saving care until he was stabilized.
He is currently recovering in the hospital.
Relaying information provided by Twibell’s doctor, Jolly said the forceful CPR that saved Twibell’s life also caused significant injuries.
“Due to the team of people who were assisting Terry, he suffered 8 broken ribs,” Jolly said. “The doctor said he has seen many who have had their heart saved, but no ribs broken and they end up with either brain damage or being brain dead.”
Jolly added that, according to the doctor, “Terry was very fortunate to have had broken ribs because it saved him from potential brain damage or even being brain dead. Doctor said they did an extraordinary job bringing him back and saved his life.”
Jolly said doctors also discovered a full blockage in one artery and found that two of Twibell’s previous bypass grafts had deteriorated, creating additional blockages.
Twibell was treated with blood thinners for at least two hours and received three stents. His vital signs are stable, though doctors noted elevated cholesterol levels.
In addition to his cardiac issues, Twibell suffered a laceration above his left eye, injuries to his chin, and a possible bruised jaw from the fall.
Jolly said Twibell is expected to remain hospitalized through Monday while doctors continue to monitor him and conduct further tests. He is currently reported to be stable, responsive, and speaking with visitors.
The incident echoes a similar emergency in 2016, when Twibell suffered full cardiac arrest during a basketball game in Seaford. At that time, first responders and bystanders used an AED to restore his pulse.
He was later placed in a medically induced coma and underwent quadruple bypass surgery.
Those who helped save him were later recognized by local officials.
He has indicated that he plans to return to officiating, a role he has held for 20 years.
