DALLAS, April 10, 2023 — The American Heart Association sends fans of the two-time Emmy Award winning best drama series “Succession” our heartfelt condolences following the sudden cardiac death that killed off main character, Logan Roy, played by Brian Cox.

(SPOILER ALERT) Those who watched last night’s episode on HBO in stunned silence, saw patriarch businessman Logan suffer a cardiac arrest while on a plane as his eldest son, Connor, celebrated his wedding. Logan’s other three children listened by phone from the wedding in helpless panic as the flight crew performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The siblings said their goodbyes to their father via a phone held up to his ear in his dying moments during this shocking and emotionally devastating scene. After the episode, showrunners said they wanted to show how the death of a significant character rebounds around an entire family.

While the Federal Aviation Administration provides guidance regarding crewmember training programs (flight attendant training programs in particular) that incorporate Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)[1], it is important for everyone to know the life-saving skills of CPR and how to use an AED in case of an emergency.

What is cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have been diagnosed with heart disease. It can come on suddenly or in the wake of other symptoms. Cardiac arrest is often fatal if appropriate steps aren’t taken immediately.

Each year in the United States, more than 350,000 people experience sudden cardiac arrest outside the hospital setting[2]. According to the American Heart Association, about 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die.[3] CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

Resources for learning CPR

The Association encourages everyone to learn conventional CPR in case you’re called to save the life of someone you love. You can find a CPR class near you at heart.org/findacourse.

The American Heart Association - devoted to world of healthier lives for all - is the leader in resuscitation science, education, and training and publisher of the official Guidelines for CPR and ECC.

For more information about sudden cardiac arrest and CPR visit cpr.heart.org.

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About the American Heart Association 

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800- AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries and AHA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173

Monica Sales: 817-291-7289; monica.sales@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org