Teddy Dowdle passed away unexpectedly on May 4th, 2022 at the age of 22.

Teddy, a 2018 East Ridge High School graduate was born with a congenital heart defect, bicuspid aortic valve. At the age of 16, he had a successful surgery to replace his aortic valve and as a result, he was cleared to play basketball. On May 4th, 2022 Teddy collapsed suffering sudden cardiac arrest while playing a pickup game of basketball with his brother and friends. CPR was administered but there was no immediate access to an AED. It has become the family’s mission to push for widespread access and availability of AED’s.

Teddy’s legacy will live on through the Teddy’s Heart Foundation, which raises funds to place AED’s in public athletic parks and places.