Heartbreaking Incident Highlights Potential Dangers of Energy Drinks and Gym Safety Measures
In a tragic turn of events, 18-year-old Oklahoma high schooler, Zach Doran, a “super healthy” athlete with no known heart issues, died after collapsing during a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training session. The incident has raised serious concerns over the safety of energy drinks, which Zach regularly consumed before exercise.
A father’s painful recollection
Jason Doran, Zach’s father, vividly recalls the tragic day: “He literally fought to his death.” Zach was participating in a sparring session when he suddenly collapsed during the seventh or eighth round. Initial suspicions suggested a blow to the chest or head might have caused the collapse. However, video footage showed that Zach simply grew tired and folded over.
“On Sunday, he went to MMA. He was doing a sparring session. During round seven or eight, he just collapsed,” Jason said. “They had thought that he had taken a kick to the chest or blow to the head that might’ve caused it. But someone was recording his bouts. It was none of that. You could tell he was just getting tired and just folded over.”
Zach’s girlfriend, Libby Gilmore, revealed that Zach “always had an energy drink” before heading to the gym or an MMA session, alongside “pre-workout” supplements, both of which contain high levels of caffeine. Libby believes these factors contributed to his untimely death.
The aftermath and unanswered questions
Zach spent 10 days on life support before his parents made the excruciating decision to let him go. “It was terrible. We knew it was time,” Jason recalled. The exact cause of Zach’s death remains unknown, as the family awaits the medical examiner’s report. “We’re still waiting for the medical examiner’s report to get back. We don’t know the exact cause. We don’t know if he had a heart condition. If he did, it was unknown,” Jason said.
Advocacy for “Zach’s Law”
Oklahoma law does not require private gyms to have defibrillators, which could have potentially saved Zach’s life. In response, Jason Doran is campaigning for “Zach’s Law,” which would mandate defibrillators in all gyms.
Jason has already donated devices to 15 facilities, sharing Zach’s story in hopes of raising awareness about the need for defibrillators. “This law is to protect not only athletes but also spectators. If you can help save a life, why wouldn’t you want to?” Jason said. “We don’t ever want anyone to feel the hurt, the pain, the ups and downs that we felt during 10 days in the hospital and the aftermath. If it just helps save one life, then it’s worth it.”
Broader implications
Libby’s discovery that Zach combined energy drinks with pre-workout supplements has sparked broader discussions on the safety of such products. Experts warn about the dangers of high caffeine levels in these drinks and the potential for heart-related complications. This tragic incident also highlights the need for better emergency preparedness in gyms, including the availability of defibrillators.
The death of Zach Doran serves as a somber reminder of the potential risks associated with energy drinks and the importance of adequate safety measures in fitness facilities.