Rigby High School softball player, Addie Cox, suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed during a softball game on July 20, 2025, but was revived with CPR and an AED and is currently in the ICU receiving treatment.
On the morning of Sunday, July 20, 2025, a softball game in Helena, Montana, turned into a moment no one could have expected.
A talented young athlete, Addison Cox, hit a triple and dove into third base. After popping up, she suddenly collapsed.
For a terrifying 5 minutes and 18 seconds, Addie’s heart stopped, and she went into cardiac arrest.
Addie’s family watched in horror as CPR was performed and an on-site AED (automated external defibrillator) was used to shock her heart back to life.
This unforeseen incident left her parents, Robert and Karina R. Jodenschwager-Cox, and two siblings, Ava and Bobby, in shock.
Those moments felt like a nightmare, but thanks to quick action and the grace of God, Addie was revived.
Addie was rushed to St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, where she was stabilized. She was then flown to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where she is now in the ICU.
Her heart is being closely monitored, and a team of doctors is working to understand what caused this sudden event.
Shockingly, Addie has no history of heart issues or seizures, making this incident even more unexpected.
Above all, the day after her collapse on July 22, 2025, Addie was supposed to be playing in the Triple Crown World Series with her team, the Lil’ Rebels. Instead, she’s in a hospital bed, fighting to recover.
But her family has no doubt that when she’s cleared, Addie will be back on the diamond.
The Cox family has requested that any GameChanger footage of the incident be removed and has expressed deep gratitude to everyone who helped save Addie’s life.
Meanwhile, they are overwhelmed with the gratitude that Addie is still here, thanks to the quick actions of those who jumped in to help.
Robert and Karina have invited anyone who knows Addie to share their favourite memories or photos of her, using #00 to celebrate the incredible person she is. Karina wrote in a post:
If you have played with Addie or coached her we love for you to post pictures or clips of some of your most favorite times shared with #00 I will be adding more throughout the day when all I have the capacity to do is look through pictures.
Karina
Addie’s Mother Karina Channels Heartbreak into a Mission for Safety and Mentorship Through Her Advocacy!
Karina, Addie’s mother, is turning this frightening experience into a mission. She is now advocating for CPR training and AED availability at all youth sports events.
“I will not allow my league to watch a child go into cardiac arrest without proper training and equipment on hand,” she wrote on Rigby Elite Softball League’s public Facebook group.
She believes these tools can mean the difference between life and death and is determined to make sure every league, school, and tournament is prepared.
Karina said she will help coordinate a training class if needed, saying, “I will help coordinate a training class to be conducted by certified teachers to offer to our league.“
She describes Addie as a fierce competitor and a kind-hearted teammate. Whether she’s catching, playing centerfield, or stepping up to bat, Addie gives 100% every time.
Karina described Addie’s personality, saying:
She is humble in her wins and gracious in her defeats. She is confident but never arrogant and will shutdown or walk away from any drama. She is loyal and will always stand up for what is right even of shes standing alone, and trust me she has stood alone.
Karina
She added, “Addie is a mentor to younger players, helping run a nonprofit softball program in her community, where the little girls look up to her.“
Likewise, a GoFundMe account has been set up by her coach, Victor Lopez, to help her family alleviate any financial burden of this incident.
Addie Cox, we wish you a speedy recovery!
