Boy in coma after collapsing at soccer practice

Aidan Heath (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)

Aidan Heath (Credit: Channel 2 Action News)

A 7-year-old Cherokee County boy has been in a coma for eight days after collapsing during soccer practice.

Aidan Heath’s mother, Ashley Heath, has been by his side the entire time, according to Channel 2 Action News.

“It’s been a roller coaster, it’s been here and there,” Ashley Heath told Channel 2. “We don’t know what direction he’s going to go in.”

Family members told the television station that the boy was running drills shortly into practice at the Woodstock YMCA on Sept. 8 when he suddenly fell over.

Doctors don’t know what led to Aidan’s collapse, but they are looking into a possible congenital heart problem.

“I thought he was playing, and then I saw his eyes rolling into the back of his head,” his grandmother, Peggy Pickard Moore, said.

The coach ran over, determined that Aidan wasn’t breathing and started CPR. Paramedics took Aidan to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and he was later taken to a hospital in Atlanta for further testing.

The Heath family told Channel 2 that doctors have been trying to determine whether he is brain dead, but every time doctors try to test, the boy shows signs of life.

“Every time they say they’re going to do it, Aidan does something to where they can’t do it,” Moore said.

The YMCA sent a statement saying: “The YMCA Family is profoundly saddened by this tragic situation. We are keeping Aidan and his family in our thoughts and prayers. We remain in close contact with them and are providing as much support and encouragement as possible.”

A Facebook group called "Prayers for Aidan" is rallying support and keeping loved ones updated on Aidan's condition.