Authorities: Heat stroke possibly played part in Cape man’s death

By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 6/25/09

A Cape Coral man died after suffering cardiac arrest during a basketball game Tuesday night, and officials believe heat stroke may have contributed to the incident.

Michael A. Abreu, 25, was pronounced dead at 8:54 p.m. after emergency workers had tried for 25 minutes to revive him, reports state.

The incident happened at the Cape Christian Fellowship Church, located at 2110 Chiquita Blvd. S., while Abreu and friends were playing basketball on an open court, witnesses stated.

Abreu collapsed onto his stomach while chasing after a basketball.

He fell on a cement step on the court, though it is unclear whether he slipped or fainted, police said.

Friends reportedly told police that they rolled Abreu onto his back and saw that his eyes had rolled to the back of his head. They then called 911.

Family members told police that Abreu suffered from sleep apnea and had fainted on prior occasions.

It is unknown if Abreu was taking medication at the time of the incident.

Police do not suspect foul play. However, officials speculate that heat exhaustion may have played a part in Abreu's death, according to city spokesperson Connie Barron.

Police are awaiting autopsy results from the Medical Examiner's Office to determine the contributing factors to Abreu's death.

The Weather Underground reports that the outdoor temperature at 8:35 p.m. was 85.1 degrees Fahrenheit at 100 percent humidity.

Family members could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening by press time.