Tom Lockyer has delivered a promising health report, but reveals that he “literally died” after falling during Luton Town’s Premier League encounter at Bournemouth in December.
The former Bristol Rovers captain went into cardiac arrest in the second half of the Hatters’ game at the Vitality Stadium, which was finally abandoned with a 1-1 score. Lockyer was promptly brought to the hospital, where he spent the next five days before being released.
Two months later, the 29-year-old was a commentator for Sky Sports’ coverage of Luton’s home game versus Manchester United at Kenilworth Road, when he disclosed the latest on his health and recounted the events of the day.
“I literally died,” the defender said. “Obviously, I’m quite fortunate to be standing here and in such good spirits. I’m doing pretty well.
“It doesn’t happen every day, does it? The world’s eyes were almost on us, so it was good to be able to come out and say I’m doing okay. I believe that everyone needs to know this and see me performing well.
“It was just a normal day, and the most frightening aspect was that I felt absolutely fine. I’ve been hunting for answers, but as far as I know, it was simply another day at the office. Everything was going great until what happened.”
Lockyer had been sent to the hospital following a similar occurrence in Luton’s play-off final against Coventry City last season. However, according to the center-back, this time was different.
“I was running up to the halfway line and I felt really lightheaded, and I remember thinking I’d be fine in a second,” the former Gas favorite explained. “Eventually, I wasn’t, and paramedics and others were everywhere. It’s obvious that it happened again in May, but I realized right away that this time was different.
“The last time I woke up, it was nearly a dream, and this time it was nothing. I could tell right away that the paramedics, physios, and club doctor were all in a state of panic, and I was feeling disoriented. I couldn’t speak or move, and I was just trying to figure out what was going on, thinking, ‘I may be dying here.’
“It’s quite a bizarre notion to have, thinking about it while being unable to move or respond, and you can see the panic. I could feel them inserting the drip into my arm, and it was a difficult mix of feelings.
“Eventually I came around and was able to speak and reply, and it was almost a comfort to know I was still alive. Obviously, I’m extremely fortunate that it happened where it did, but for me, I was just living it and felt as if everyone was watching, and my family, in particular, had it almost worse than I did.
“After what happened in May, I had a recording device in my chest, and I was unconscious for two minutes and forty [seconds]. I need the defibrillator to shock me back, and I want to thank the paramedics, the club doctors, and everyone else who was involved that day because I wouldn’t be standing here without them.”
The 16-cap Wales international made 284 appearances for Rovers, starting with the under-18s before making his first-team debut in January 2013. Lockyer will always be highly respected among Gasheads as a member of the Darrell Clarke team that won back-to-back promotions from the Conference to League One, eventually becoming captain before departing for Charlton Athletic in 2019.
It probably went unnoticed by many on the day it happened with the Gas away at Bolton Wanderers, but over the next several days, club CEO Tom Gorringe and previous manager Clarke sent public messages of support online.
The Welshman, who is 29 years old and expecting a child shortly, confessed that whether or not he returns to the pitch is beyond his control. Lockyer has been an integral part of Luton’s recent promotion to the Premier League since joining the Bedfordshire club in 2020, having started 14 of their top-flight games as captain prior to the incident.
Rob Edwards’ side is presently one point off the relegation zone, and survival would be a remarkable feat for a club that was playing outside the Football League as recently as 2014. Whether or whether their captain will be able to participate on the field again remains to be seen as he continues to undergo examinations.
“I think that’s out of my hands to a certain degree,” Lockyer said when asked if he still wants to play. “Obviously, we’re going to be dictated to by the medical staff and specialists, but if there’s a chance I may play again, I’m not going to go against the professionals’ suggestions, and I’d love to. It is far too early to say at this point. There are many more tests and tasks that need to be done in the background.
“I wouldn’t dismiss it at the moment, but my concern is with the baby. If the medical staff return and I’m not allowed to play again, I’ll have to reconsider because I captained Luton and scored a Premier League goal.”
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