Fortunately there seems to be more encouraging news from the London Chest Hospital where Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba is making a strong recovery after collapsing during last weekend's FA Cup tie at Tottenham Hotspur.
The incident was a stark reminder of the mortality of all of us, including super athletes. It also forged an unlikely bond between the fans of Bolton and Tottenham, who have been united in their concern this week for the former England Under-21 star.
Hailed as a hero was Dr Andrew Deaner, the cardiologist and Spurs supporter who raced onto the pitch from the stands to help Muamba, whose heart stopped beating for 78 minutes before being revived in hospital.
Among those deeply moved in the crowd at White Hart Lane was former Tottenham and England defender Gary Mabbutt, who could draw parallels between Muamba's brush with death and the reality of his own playing days. Mabbutt doesn't have a rare heart defect but was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the start of his 19-year professional career.
He was initially advised to give up the sport because of the chance of a life-ending collapse on the field, but chose to continue while balancing four daily insulin injections and six blood tests around matches, training and travel.
For Mabbutt, the importance of fulfilling his destiny outweighed the risks. But he says that each case is different when it comes to elite athletes who choose to take medical issues onto the playing field.