Sen. Thom Tillis released from hospital after collapsing during DC race

WASHINGTON, DC (WWAY) – Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) has been released from the hospital.

According to his communications director Daniel Keylin, the senator 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.

I’m happy to be back to work on Capitol Hill after receiving a clean bill of health. Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes. pic.twitter.com/qBeETOs5Hg

— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) May 17, 2017

Earlier today, Sen. Tillis said he his “fine” after he collapsed during a race this morning in Washington, DC, and was taken away in ambulance.

Tillis tweeted a video from a hospital bed at 9:45 a.m. saying he had gotten overheated about 2.5 miles into the 3-mile run.

I’m doing well. Looking forward to getting back to work. Thanks for all of your prayers and well wishes. #CapChallenge pic.twitter.com/uQGQp85qzR

— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) May 17, 2017

The Associated Press reported Tillis, 57, was seen on the ground being administered CPR by bystanders at about the two-mile mark in the three-mile race in Anacostia Park in the southeast part of the city, but Tillis said he was not given CPR or any other special measures. The AP reported Tillis at first appeared unconscious but was revived and breathing when taken away by ambulance from the ACLI Capital Challenge 3 Mile Team Race.

Washington fire officials told WSOC-TV in Charlotte that Tillis never lost consciousness and was breathing when taken away by ambulance. Officials said Tillis was one of two runners who collapsed and that the other runner received CPR.

A race spokesperson told WTVD in Raleigh that Tillis had a seizure. He did not hurt himself and was alert when he was taken to George Washington University Hospital.

The race benefits Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation.

Teams each year are captained by senators, congressmen, cabinet members, department officials, federal judges, TV and radio personalities, and print journalists. Sen. Tillis is listed as one of the captains. We’ll have more details as they become available.