What began as a routine high school basketball game turned into an unforgettable moment of heroism.
For Magnus Miller, an 18-year-old player from Life Christian Academy in Oklahoma, saving a life became the most important play of the day. During a recent tournament, just three minutes into the game, Randy Vitales, a 16-year-old sophomore from Dover High School, suddenly collapsed on the court.
“He just went [for a] layup, and I was getting the ball, about to dribble up the court, and I turned around, and he’s on the ground,” Miller said. As the crowd watched in shock, Miller, who is also a trained lifeguard, sprang into action. “I didn’t have any second thoughts about it,” Miller said.
I just jumped in and took control,” Miller said.
Miller quickly realized that Vitales was in cardiac arrest. Using an automated external defibrillator (AED), he administered life-saving shocks and led the coaching staff in performing CPR. According to reports, CPR continued for about 20 minutes until paramedics arrived.
Randy Vitales, left, greets Magnus Miller, right, who saved his life. Photo by KOCO
The Guthrie Fire Department praised Miller’s quick thinking, stating that he “without a shadow of a doubt” saved Vitales’ life. Reflecting on the incident, Miller said, “It’s probably one of the biggest things I’ve done in my life.” Despite the intense situation, he maintained a humble perspective. “It’s weird hearing someone say you saved their life,” Miller said. “But it wasn’t really me. It was God just being there for me and him. Obviously, I didn’t go there to play basketball that day.”
Vitales was rushed to Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, where he underwent several tests and was moved to the ICU. Dover Public Schools lauded the efforts of their coaches and the quick response that likely saved Vitales’ life. “As my coaches were administering the AED and CPR, he was the calm and reassuring voice that they were doing everything right,” Dover Superintendent Jay Wood said.
Randy Vitales, left, hugs Magnus Miller, right, who saved his life. Photo by KOCO
A few days later, the two young men reunited at the hospital. “I honestly don’t know what to say to you,” Vitales said from his hospital bed. “You saved my life.” Miller had a simple response: “I’ll always be there for you.”
The community has rallied around Vitales, with Dover Public Schools setting up a donation account and selling “Dover Strong” T-shirts to help with medical expenses. Vitales’ recovery was nothing short of miraculous, as he was taken off the ventilator and started breathing on his own shortly after the incident.
For everyone involved, this heart-stopping moment turned into a heartwarming story of courage, quick action, and community support. As Miller put it, “Some plays are bigger than the game.”
