Teen 'Doing Well' After Collapse During Hillsborough Basketball Game

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — It's been almost three weeks since 15-year-old Jonathan Maro of Far Hills collapsed during a basketball game in Hillsborough. His parents say he is doing well and already back at school.

"Our family wants to thank everyone involved in saving Jonathan's life," said Jonathan's father Bill Maro.

Maro said called the efforts by Hillsborough Police Officers Rick Tichenor, Dylan Ely, and Tiana Ramos, along with Kathleen Holmlund, Stacey Narula, Cindy Nurse, and Todd Sudol "heroic."

Jonathan was playing basketball for Saint James School of Basking Ridge in the Hillsborough High School gym on Jan. 7 when Bill Maro saw his son fall on the court. Read More: Teen Without Pulse, Not Breathing Rescued By CPR In Hillsborough

"I got to him first. I just saw him fall for no reason," said Maro.

Maro said the rest is a blur and he is not exactly sure what happened. But he does remember Narula pushing him away to start CPR and then the police and EMTs' arrival.

"The police were there in less than 4 minutes and the EMT came so quickly from Manville to Hillsborough. They are all heroes and so is the family at Saint James School," said Maro.

Maro said most of the Saint James School families followed them to the hospital and have since rallied around the family.

"There are no words. I am completely overwhelmed with the love and support from the community at Saint James School," said Jonathan's mother Lisa Nicolaou.

All of the people who helped to save Jonathan's life were recently honored for their efforts during a Hillsborough school board meeting on Monday. Read More: Hillsborough Rescuers Honored For Saving Teen Basketball Player's Life

Nicolaou said the community dropped off food every night she was in the hospital with Jonathan for their daughter to eat, gave countless gift cards to supermarkets and DoorDash, and even received cards from every grade level at the school all the way down to first grade.

"I've never been through a horrific event but I never expected the support like this," said Nicolaou.

Nicolaou and Jonathan were able to talk with Narula on Sunday and now she says they will be "friends for life."

"Meeting Stacey was the cherry on the top," said Nicolaou.

Jonathan returned to school on Monday in Basking Ridge and is told not to play any sports for the next three months.

However, he is not letting that stop him. He is continuing to go to the school's games to support his team in the meantime.

He did attend his school's game this past Saturday where he was welcomed with a standing ovation and hugs, said Jim Maro.

"I adore these people," said Maro of the Saint James community. "They are so compassionate and empathetic."

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