20-year-old student 'died for 25 minutes' during surgery after sunburn revealed 'silent killer' disease

A British student died for 25 minutes during a major surgery from a disease he was unaware of called the “silent killer”.

Charlie Vincent, 20, was rushed to hospital with second-degree burns from sunburn while traveling in the United States. Doctors quickly noticed he had patches of pneumonia on his lungs during treatment.

Briton Charlie Vincent died for 25 minutes during critical surgery from 'silent killer' disease he didn't know existed — Briton Charlie Vincent died for 25 minutes during critical surgery from ‘silent killer’ disease he didn’t know existedCredit: PA

Charlie with his sister Emily Vincent who described her brother's recovery as a — Charlie with his sister Emily Vincent who described her brother’s recovery as a “miracle”Credit: PA

Charlie developed second-degree burns on his legs, which led to his heart problem being discoveredCredit: PA

The young man from Northamptonshire underwent surgery for a respiratory infection but suffered a cardiac arrest during the operation.

Charlie then suffered a mini-stroke as doctors tried to get his heart beating again.

It took a terrifying 25 minutes for the 20-year-old’s heart to restart, his family said.

Charlie’s sister, Emily Vincent, 24, described his recovery from surgery as a “miracle”.

She told Real Life: “At one point I just didn’t see how Charlie was going to get through it, it was absolutely heartbreaking, it was hell.

“It’s really a miracle that he’s still here.”

The student was in New Hampshire to teach six-year-olds how to canoe as part of a summer camp in the United States.

After just a few hours outside, Charlie ended up with severe sunburn on his legs.

In the following days, things “rapidly deteriorated” and the young man fell ill, according to Emily.

The third-year film student at De Montfort University in Leicester was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment after doctors discovered a hidden health problem.

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After routine tests, doctors discovered he had pneumonia in his lungs as well as an enlarged heart that was forcing his vital organs to work harder than normal, Emily continued.

These two major health problems worried doctors who began to consider operating on the 20-year-old before his condition worsened.

Doctors say Charlie likely suffered from a dangerous heart condition, known as cardiomegaly, since birth, but the pneumonia may have caused the condition to flare up and get worse.

Emily said: “We were told he was in a critical condition, even the doctors were very scared for him, and having no one by his side must have been terrifying for him.

“He’s always been a healthy boy, he’s never shown any heart problems before, so it was just crazy to us that he was deteriorating so quickly.”

After the near-fatal operation, Charlie spent a week in an induced coma, with doctors fearing he would need a heart and lung transplant.

He was put on life support and transferred to two different hospitals for further tests before miraculously waking up.

Charlie's parents, Joe, 47, and Sue Vincent, 50, flew to be by their son's side and stayed with him throughout his life. — Charlie’s parents, Joe, 47, and Sue Vincent, 50, flew to be by their son’s side and stayed with him throughout his life.Credit: PA

Charlie with his mother in the hospitalCredit: PA

Charlie has made an incredible recovery and is now even walking againCredit: PA

Doctors were reportedly amazed by the condition of his organs when they began to show signs of healing.

Charlie is now back on his feet and can walk again.

He is expected to return to the UK for further treatment in the coming days on a medical flight.

Charlie’s parents, Joe, 47, and Sue Vincent, 50, flew to be by their son’s side and stayed with him throughout the journey.

Emily was unable to travel to the United States but kept in touch through her parents.

She says Charlie “seems really positive.”

He’s always been a healthy boy, he’s never shown any heart problems before, so it was just crazy to us that he was deteriorating so quickly.

Emily VincentCharlie’s sister

The sister added: “I was desperate to get out, mum and dad were eager to get out.

“My brother and I are almost like twins – even though we are four years apart – he is like my best friend.

“He is my rock and always has been, so it was very difficult to imagine a life without Charlie.”

The family is now waiting to find out how much of Charlie’s treatment will be covered by his insurance.

His parents have confirmed they are covered for £390,000, but due to the complex operation and lengthy recovery process, his medical bills in the US are likely to be high.

Emily said the family had no idea of the final cost, with staff saying they could not give a figure until her treatment was officially completed.

To help cover anticipated costs, the family has set up a GoFundMe page.

The fund has already raised more than £13,000, which will go towards the parents’ travel costs and medical bills.

What is cardiomegaly?

CARDIOMEGALY, also known simply as cardiac hypertrophy, occurs when your heart is abnormally thick or stretched too much.

This results in a larger volume than usual, which leads to problems pumping blood.

The condition may be temporary or permanent.

For many patients, cardiomegaly is manageable and does not impact daily life.

Symptoms

Fatigue
Dizziness
Palpitations
Shortness of breath
Edema in the chest, legs and feet
Increases risk of stroke or heart failure

Some people may not have any symptoms.

People may have surgery to help fix the problem, doctors may install a defibrillator, a valve, or do revascularization.