Third Shot Deaths: Here’s What’s Killing Pickleball Players (And How To Stay Alive)

With over 36 million pickleball players in the U.S. alone as of 2025, it’s no longer just a backyard game—it’s a cultural phenomenon. But amid the dinks, drives, and third-shot drops, a darker trend is emerging: more and more players are collapsing and dying on the courts. These incidents aren’t from paddle whacks or twisted ankles; they’re predominantly cardiac-related, striking seemingly healthy individuals mid-game.

Why is this happening now? Pickleball’s appeal to older adults (over 50% of players are 55+) means higher risks from undiagnosed heart conditions, combined with the sport’s deceptive intensity.

Emergency room visits for pickleball injuries have surged 90-fold in recent years, but deaths—though rarer— are increasing. This article dives into the causes, shares harrowing real stories, and provides a comprehensive guide to prevention. Your next game could save a life—or cost one. Read on, and share this to keep the pickleball community alive.

The Rise of Pickleball and Its Hidden Dangers

Pickleball’s meteoric rise began in the 1960s but accelerated post-pandemic, with courts popping up in parks, gyms, and even cruise ships. It’s accessible, social, and low-impact—or so it seems. The average game burns 400-700 calories per hour, with sudden bursts of speed that rival tennis. Yet, unlike team sports with built-in breaks, pickleball’s quick rallies can push heart rates to extremes without warning.

The demographic skews older: 87% of pickleball-related ER visits involve those over 50, often from falls or strains, but fatalities stem from cardiovascular events. Dehydration, heat, and overexertion amplify risks, especially in humid climates or during tournaments. Clubs and players must recognize that pickleball isn’t “just fun”—it’s exercise that demands respect for your body’s limits.

Main Causes of Sudden Deaths on the Pickleball Court

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the killer lurking behind most Third Shot Deaths. SCA occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, stopping blood flow to the brain and organs. It’s not a heart attack (blockage) but can be triggered by one. In athletes over 35, acquired atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) causes most SCAs, where plaque buildup narrows arteries, straining the heart during play.

Other culprits include:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): Thickened heart muscle, common in younger athletes but seen in older pickleballers too.
• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats exacerbated by stress or caffeine.
• Environmental factors: Heat exhaustion leading to dehydration, which thickens blood and strains the heart.
• Overexertion: The “third shot” phase—often a drop or drive—requires explosive movement, spiking adrenaline and heart rate.

Rarely, injuries contribute indirectly, like blood clots from strains traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). But data shows SCA accounts for about half of sudden deaths in competitive athletes, with pickleball’s older player base amplifying the odds. Ignoring warning signs like chest pain or dizziness can turn a casual game fatal.

Real-Life Stories: Tragedies and Close Calls That Shook the Community

These aren’t statistics—they’re people. Media reports reveal a pattern of collapses during games, often saved by quick-thinking players or doomed by delayed response. Here are some impactful accounts:

• Sam Hopkins, 56, Martin County, FL (June 2024): During a routine match, Hopkins collapsed from SCA. Fellow players performed CPR, but he died en route to the hospital. His death prompted local parks to install AEDs, with survivor Candace Cooney advocating: “We called for help, but without an AED, it was too late.”
• Unnamed 56-Year-Old, Ho Chi Minh City (May 2025): A Vietnamese player suffered SCA mid-game and died despite efforts. Doctors confirmed undiagnosed heart disease, highlighting global risks.
• Jeff Whitsitt, Brentwood, TN (August 2024): The avid player went into SCA during a tournament. Bystanders used CPR and an AED to revive him. “I had no symptoms—it came out of nowhere,” he said post-recovery.
• Paul Wagner, Santa Clara, UT (January 2023): Collapsed on court; neighbors Sharon Grisham and Daniel Mills performed CPR until paramedics arrived with an AED. Wagner survived and now encourages CPR training: “They saved my life—learn it.”
• Kevin Newman, Utah (December 2024): Newman dropped during a tournament from a heart attack. Six fellow players sprang into action with CPR and an AED, earning awards for their heroism. Newman recovered fully, crediting the group’s preparedness.
• Dave Rowe, Wisconsin (July 2024): A lifelong athlete, Rowe collapsed mid-game but was saved by an AED and CPR. He bikes 1,000 miles yearly yet had hidden CAD.
• Corey Mackey, Bay Springs, MS (January 2024): High school basketball coach (crossover to pickleball communities) died suddenly from “natural causes” linked to heart issues, echoing pickleball risks.

These stories underscore a truth: Survival rates soar to 70% with immediate AED use, but drop to 10% without. Social media buzzes with similar tales, like a husband revived by brave players or a Windsor, Canada, player who died from a brain injury after falling. One X user shared: “Two men dropped on the court—both revived, but one died later. Preparedness matters.”

Preventative Measures: A Comprehensive Guide to Staying Alive

Don’t let fear sideline you—empower yourself. Prevention starts with basics and escalates to community action. Doctors emphasize: Get screened before playing intensely.

Doctor Recommendations: Professional Health Checks

• Annual Physicals: Include ECG for those over 40 or with family history of heart disease.
• Stress Tests: Simulate game exertion to detect CAD.
• Know Your Risks: Discuss medications, cholesterol, and blood pressure. If you have diabetes or smoke, your SCA risk doubles.
• Pre-Game Warm-Up: 10-15 minutes of light stretching and jogging to ease into play.

Bold advice from cardiologists: “Sudden death is predictable with screening—don’t skip it.”

Self-Monitoring: Listen to Your Body

• Track Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or irregular heartbeat? Stop immediately.
• Heart Rate Monitoring: Use apps or wearables to stay under 85% of max (220 minus age).
• Hydration and Nutrition: Drink 16-20 oz water pre-game; eat potassium-rich foods to prevent cramps that stress the heart.
• Rest Days: Alternate intense play with recovery to avoid overexertion.

Players over 50: Monitor blood pressure weekly—high readings mean see a doctor ASAP.

Low-Cost Kits: Affordable Tools for Personal Safety

Equip yourself without breaking the bank. These items can detect issues early or aid in emergencies.

These kits cost under $200 total but could save lives—keep them in your pickleball bag.

What Clubs Must Have: Essential Facility Standards

Clubs bear responsibility—demand these or play elsewhere.

• Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): Mandatory; place one per court cluster. Cost: $1,000-2,000, but grants available.
• CPR-Trained Staff: At least one per session; free training via American Heart Association.
• Emergency Protocols: Posted plans for SCA response, including 911 calls.
• Hydration Stations and Shade: Especially in hot areas to combat heat triggers.

After Hopkins’ death, Martin County added AEDs to all parks—a model for others.

What Players Should Check: Your Pre-Game Checklist

• Facility Audit: Confirm AED locations and staff training before playing.
• Partner Up Wisely: Play with CPR-knowers; take a free course yourself (30 minutes online).
• Personal Health Log: Track games and symptoms in a app.
• Insurance Review: Ensure coverage for sports-related emergencies.

Bullet-proof your routine:

• Warm up dynamically.
• Hydrate every 15 minutes.
• Stop if fatigued.
• Learn CPR—it’s the difference between life and death.

Conclusion: Play Smart, Stay Alive, and Share the Knowledge

Pickleball brings joy, but ignoring risks invites tragedy. With proper prevention, we can halve these incidents—screenings, AEDs, and awareness are key. Honor victims like Hopkins by advocating for safer courts. Get checked, equip your kit, and train in CPR today. Share this article—your post could prevent the next collapse. Together, let’s keep the dinks dropping and the hearts beating.