Referee saved by another after collapsing at Sylacauga High School football game

A football referee with the Alabama High School Athletic Association is recovering in the hospital after collapsing on the field Friday in Sylacauga. Another referee is being called a hero for saving his life.

Joey Shelnutt was officiating at the Sylacauga vs. Central-Coosa game when he had what appeared to be a heart attack.

His fellow referee, Lew Murphy, wasted no time and began performing life-saving CPR on Shelnutt until emergency medical crews arrived.

Players and fans watched in silence. Then players took to their knees in prayer. Cheerleaders and fans prayed and sang.

Paramedics rushed Shelnutt to Grandview Medical Center.

His sister, Mary Beth Kromer, said that he was in good spirits and was upset that medical crews had to cut his official shirt and his radio.

Shelnutt is scheduled to have bypass surgery next week, according to his family.

The Walmart store in Sylacauga posted on social media about its gratitude for Murphy, who is a store associate, and offered thoughts and prayers for Shelnutt's recovery.