UPDATE: Sen. Thom Tillis OK; collapse blamed on dehydration

Published 8:55 am Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Tillis is out of the hospital, according to his office:

“Senator Tillis has been released from the hospital and is doing very well. He became dehydrated and overheated during today’s ACLI Capital Challenge and collapsed. Several good Samaritans, including Capitol Police, immediately provided assistance to the Senator, including chest compressions. The Senator was taken to the hospital, and doctors found the episode was caused by overheating. He was released after receiving a clean bill of health.  Senator Tillis is incredibly grateful to the good Samaritans who assisted him at the race and the medical professionals at the hospital.”

Here’s a brief video of Tillis in his office: https://youtu.be/zmPJ3zr_wfs

 

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said Wednesday he’s “fine” after collapsing during a Washington, D.C., race and being taken away by ambulance.

Tillis posted a video on Twitter from his hospital bed hours after the early morning race.

“Hey everybody, I’m fine. Just running about 2 and a half miles in and got overheated, no CPR, no special measures, just checking me out. See you back on the Hill,” the first-term senator said.

Tillis, 56, was seen on the ground at about 15-20 minutes into the race, which started at 8 a.m. Bystanders were observed working on the senator in what appeared to be cardiac pulmonary resuscitation, but Tillis said there was no CPR administered.

Tillis at first appeared unconscious but was revived and breathing when taken away by ambulance. Tillis was participating in the ACLI Capital Challenge race, an annual event in Anacostia Park in the district. He was leading his own team, “Team Tillis.”

Many politicians and other prominent Washington, D.C., figures run the annual race. Proceeds go to charity.

When not in Washington, Tillis lives north of Charlotte and is a former speaker of the North Carolina General Assembly. He was elected to the Senate in 2014.

Tillis is known for his athleticism as an avid mountain biker and participant in obstacle endurance races.

He is married to Susan Tillis and has two children.