Caray Is Hospitalized After Nightclub Collapse

Harry Caray--the beloved Chicago Cubs broadcaster known for his exuberant “Holy cow!”--collapsed at a nightclub while having a Valentine’s Day dinner with his wife in Rancho Mirage.

Caray, 78, was listed in critical but stable condition Sunday at Eisenhower Medical Center. Hospital spokesman Jim Ellis said Caray’s wife, Dutchie, asked that no further details be released.

Caray’s stepdaughter, Tunie Wells, said doctors said he definitely did not have a stroke. Caray had a stroke in 1987 and cut back his broadcasting last year.

Dutchie Caray told WGN radio, the Cubs’ flagship station, that her husband collapsed Saturday night after he leaned on a table that gave way. Wells told Chicago radio station WMAQ that Caray put his hand on the table when he stood to acknowledge the crowd after someone pointed out he was in the restaurant.

“I do not believe that he suffered a heart attack and fell. I believe he fell and if his heartbeat stopped it was because of the trauma to the head.”

Paramedics said they took a man in full cardiac arrest from the Basin Street West nightclub to Eisenhower Medical Center at about 10:10 p.m. However, hospital officials would not confirm Caray was that person.

Caray’s son-in-law, Coley Newell, told The Associated Press by telephone from his home in Mundelein, Ill., that Caray was still unconscious but was breathing on his own.

“The feeling amongst the family is that there’s no grave concern yet” because he is stable, Newell said. He said family members are hopeful Caray will survive.

Newell said a neurosurgeon would be attending to Caray.

Caray and his wife have a home in neighboring Palm Springs during the off-season.