Shane Lee, who is a Montgomery County native from Burtonsville, signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent this past spring after three years at Alabama and his senior year at USC. As Lee took a knee after practice on Thursday, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh brought Lee’s parents out for an emotional reunion before his father Mark Lee spoke to the team (clip below).
According to the Chargers team website, Mark Lee, who is a retired officer with the Montgomery County Police Department, suffered a massive heart attack at his home on May 11. His wife, Tara, was on the phone with Shane at the time and sprang into action. “I dropped dead in my driveway,” said Mark, who is only 54 years old. “She resuscitated me back until the ambulance got there. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my wife.”
Mark Lee was bedridden for the first month after his heart attack, spending a total of almost two months in the hospital. After being cleared to travel a few days ago, his wife Tara made the plan with Shane’s agent to surprise him at practice. Mark delivered what was described as “a moving speech to the Bolts on Thursday ahead of their preseason opener on Saturday night” and received a standing ovation.
Montgomery County Police shared the following about the day of Mark Lee’s heart attack: “May 11, PSECS3 Henry Estrada answered a 9-1-1 from a caller who stated her husband collapsed. Henry was speaking w/ Mrs. Tara Lee who was performing CPR on Retired MCPD Ofc. Mark Lee.
Henry provided high quality CPR and was empathetic to the caller while caring for the patient. Henry did a phenomenal job! Mark, Tara, and their children are forever grateful for Henry’s compassion and direction on this call.
Even though Mark continues his recovery, he and his wife were able to fly to see their son at NFL practice on Wednesday and will see him play in his first NFL pre-season game on Saturday. This is truly a testament of the great work ECC Staff do every day and the impact they have!” Photo courtesy Los Angeles Chargers
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