Last week, weightlifter and bodybuilder Jon North went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to the hospital. A few days later, his wife — Jessica Lee North — announced on Facebook that Jon would undergo surgery to have a defibrillator installed permanently.
On Monday, North underwent surgery, and shortly after Lee North posted an update on her husband’s condition.
Update: Jon is out of surgery. The operation was successful and now he is recovering. Thank you to everyone that has sent well wishes and prayers. Jon’s doctors have been incredible, and we are so thankful that he has been blessed with such great care. A huge worry has been lifted now that we know the surgery was a success, and also that he has insurance of the device to shock his heart if this ever happens again. In a way, we are so grateful, because his heart was a ticking time bomb. If this had happened anywhere else, or if he had been alone, he would be dead. Thank God it happened at the zoo and I was able to scream for help and a nurse just so happened to be at the zoo nearby, and came running to do CPR until the paramedics came and were able to shock him. Also, Jon is young and he was able to get a new type of defibrillator that is much more advanced and has less risks. Overall, this traumatic and tragic experience has been a true wake up call to love life, cherish everyone in it, and that God wants Jon living, loving, and continuing to inspire as many people as possible.
North, 30, is the 2011 USA Weightlifting National Champion and a multi-time Pan American team member. In recent years, he has taken up bodybuilding while continuing to teach weightlifting seminars and release his first book, The Dark Orchestra.
Featured image: @attitudenation on Instagram
