College Quarterback Brain Surgery
Mayville State Quarterback Matt Donovan in Coma Following Emergency Brain Surgery
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Key Points
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Mayville State’s play-by-play records show Donovan’s final snap was a rushing play at the start of the third quarter; Axel Anderson took over at quarterback afterward.
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The university said pressure inside an average person’s brain is about 4, while Donovan’s pressure was “many times more than that,” underscoring the severity of the injury.
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Donovan was treated at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, roughly 60 miles southeast of Mayville, after being flown there for emergency care.
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The family’s fundraiser described the operation specifically as a craniotomy and said relatives were staying near the hospital while taking the situation “one moment at a time.”
Mayville State quarterback Matt Donovan remains in a medically induced coma after suffering a severe brain bleed during Saturday's 42-41 win over Simpson University. The 23-year-old was airlifted to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo after a helmet-to-helmet collision in the third quarter left him unconscious. Surgeons performed emergency brain surgery, removing portions of his skull to relieve pressure that reached many times higher than normal levels KFGO.
Donovan's neurosurgeon reported an encouraging sign Sunday when his eyes reacted normally to light. His sister Ashley Klar launched a fundraiser to cover medical bills and family expenses, which quickly surpassed $30,000. The Minnesota native and former Kasson-Mantorville player has also played for Bemidji State and Minot State Jack FM Fargo.
Emergency Surgery After Collision
Donovan was hit helmet-to-helmet during a rushing play at the start of the third quarter 740 The Fan. He collapsed on the field and was transported by helicopter to the Fargo hospital, roughly 60 miles away. Doctors performed a craniotomy—removing portions of the skull—to relieve dangerous brain pressure Froggy Web.
The surgery lasted more than two hours. Brain pressure in healthy people averages about 4, but Mayville State said Donovan's pressure climbed to many times that level Froggy Web. His condition is now being managed in intensive care with sedation to help his brain heal.
Signs of Hope From Neurological Tests
Sunday brought a positive development when Donovan's eyes responded normally to light. Doctors consider pupil response a key indicator of brain function and recovery potential Jack FM Fargo. His neurosurgeon described the reaction as encouraging news for his family and medical team.
Donovan remains sedated and on life support. His family is taking the situation "one moment at a time," according to the fundraiser Froggy Web. Coach Rocky Larson and teammates have visited him in the hospital during his recovery.
Community Rallies With $30,000 in Donations
Ashley Klar, Donovan's sister, set up a fundraiser to help the family cover medical costs, lodging near the hospital, and meals Jack FM Fargo. The campaign quickly surpassed $30,000 as the Mayville State community and beyond donated to support Donovan's recovery.
Backup quarterback Axel Anderson took over after Donovan's injury in the third quarter 740 The Fan. The team's support extends beyond the field—players and coaches have made hospital visits and are standing behind their injured teammate during his fight to recover.
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