News Summary

Lake High School senior Justin Landes is on a challenging path to recovery after sustaining a serious kidney injury during a football game against Hoover High School. The incident shocked both teams and fans, prompting an immediate emergency response. Justin underwent successful surgery for the laceration but remains hospitalized in stable condition. The community has shown remarkable support for him and his family during this difficult time, highlighting the strength of unity in the face of adversity.

Lake High School Senior in Recovery After Scary Football Injury

In Uniontown, Ohio, the heart of the local community is heavy as Lake High School senior Justin Landes faces a tough road to recovery following a serious injury during a recent football game. This unfortunate incident occurred on Friday, October 17, 2025, during a match against Hoover High School that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

The Incident

The injury took place in the third quarter of the game, leaving players, coaches, and fans in shock. Quick thinking athletes from both teams jumped into action as the sports medicine staff rushed to the field. Justin was immediately attended to, showcasing the incredible teamwork and urgency that sports often bring out.

Emergency Response

As fans anxiously watched from the sidelines, the Uniontown Fire Department swiftly transported Justin to Akron Children’s Hospital. There, skilled doctors assessed the damage and discovered that Justin had sustained a laceration to his right kidney, a serious condition that required immediate surgical intervention.

Surgery and Recovery

On Saturday, October 18, Justin underwent successful surgery to address the kidney laceration and internal bleeding. However, during the operation, surgeons found an additional laceration to the kidney that posed a further complication. Unfortunately, this particular injury could not be repaired at that time, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.

Current Condition

As of now, Justin remains hospitalized but is reported to be in stable condition. His medical team continues to monitor his health and explore treatment options moving forward. This news, while concerning, does provide some comfort to his family, friends, and teammates who have rallied around him during this unprecedented time.

Community Support

The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming. Friends, classmates, and even those who don’t know Justin have come together to offer their thoughts and prayers for a swift recovery. In response to this support, a fundraising page has been set up to assist the Landes family as they navigate this challenging period.

Acknowledgments

Lake High School’s Athletic Director, Brock Cline, has publicly acknowledged the fantastic response from the medical personnel involved. Recognizing the hard work and expertise of Dr. Mark Hudak from Cleveland Clinic-Mercy Hospital Sports Medicine, along with the athletic trainers — Hayley Simmons, Haley Kiko, Mariah Reeder, and Erica Allen — Cline emphasized how their quick actions undoubtedly helped in this intense situation.

Hope for the Future

As Justin continues to recover, the community remains hopeful. The spirit of Lake High School is resilient, and students, faculty, and families are banding together to ensure that Justin knows he is not alone in this fight. While he faces challenges ahead, there are countless people cheering him on and ready to support him every step of the way.

In times like these, we are reminded of the strength and unity that sports can foster in a community. Here’s to a speedy recovery for Justin Landes, a young man with an incredibly bright future ahead of him.

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