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College Quarterback in Medically Induced Coma After “Normal” Hit Forces Doctors To Remove Part of Skull

The threat of physical violence and potential injuries in football can often prove to be damaging.

The threat of physical violence and potential injuries in football can often prove to be damaging. The latest situation involving Mayville State quarterback Matt Donovan is the latest proof of that. 

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This past Saturday (September 19), the star quarterback suffered a jarring helmet-to-helmet hit in the team's matchup against Simpson University. A hit that has left him in a medically induced coma. 

Football Player Left in Medically-Induced Coma After Hit

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Mayville State said that Donovan "sustained a head injury that resulted in him being life-flighted to Fargo." After a collision in the third quarter on September 19.

The college quarterback had emergency surgery that removed part of his skull.

"Once he arrived in Fargo, he underwent surgery on his brain that lasted just over two hours. During which they removed portions of his skull to release the pressure from his brain," the school said in a statement on Sunday (September 20). "For context, the pressure in the average person's brain is a 4; his was many times more than that."

In a GoFundMe created by Donovan's sister Ashley, she says that the football star is "recovering," but adds that things are still uncertain.

"After the impact, he collapsed. It was quickly discovered that he had a brain bleed. And he was airlifted to Fargo, ND, where he underwent a craniotomy," the fundraiser reads. "Matthew is now recovering in the ICU. And our family is staying close by as we take things one moment at a time. During this incredibly difficult and uncertain season."

The fundraiser also adds: "The funds raised will help support Matthew's family with lodging and dining while we are away from home, along with medical expenses related to his care and recovery."

As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had raised $89,685 of its $95K