Remember this back in 2002? The injury was a torn tricep.
"There is sad news to report from NYC, tonight, regarding the health of IFBB pro Orville Burke.
As was previously reported here, Orville injured his elbow, during a photo shoot, following the Olympia.
He was scheduled to have surgery to repair the injury, this week. It would be necessary for Orville to receive a general anesthetic for the surgical procedure.
As is the case for so many BBers with extreme muscularity, Orville has suffered from high blood pressure and an enlarged heart, for some time, and has been under the care of a cardiologist. He also has asthma, which limited his ability to do cardio. He did not tell the orthopedic surgeons who were to do the elbow surgery. But, during the pre-surgery workup, all this was discovered. Orville was declared a non-candidate for a general anesthetic, and the operation was cancelled.
Orville went to his cardiologist, who, for reasons unknown to me, gave Orville a written release to undergo the general anesthetic and elbow surgery. So, Orville was cleared, and the surgery took place.
During the surgery, Orville's heart failed, and, following attempts to restart his heart, he lapsed into coma.
Tonight, Orville remains alive, but unconscious. It is unknown whether he may be restored to consciousness, or the possible extent of brain damage. Surely, his career, as a pro BBer, must be at an end.
Those of us who know or met Orville Burke, know he is a kind and gentle soul, and a wonderful ambassador for the sport.
I sincerely hope that each and every one of you will keep Orville in your thoughts and prayers, in the days ahead."
