Scott Radley: Nick Cordero’s health ‘going a little downhill’

Just days after he awoke from a lengthy COVID-19-caused coma, Hamilton actor Nick Cordero's health has taken a troubling turn.

Unfortunately, things are going a little downhill at the moment," his wife, Amanda Kloots, said in a tearful Instagram post Wednesday afternoon as she asked for mega prayers" for his recovery.

The exact details of what was happening were unclear as is the severity of the news but this is the latest concerning turn in a battle that has been an emotional roller-coaster for his family, friends and fans.

The 41-year-old Westdale Secondary grad entered Cedars-Sinai Hospital on April 1 and was placed on a ventilator with what was initially thought not to be coronavirus. But a third test - after two negative results - showed he indeed had it.

He spent six weeks unconscious in the intensive care ward during which time he got an infection, saw his blood pressure plummet to the point his heart stopped and he had to be resuscitated, developed blood clots that eventually forced doctors to amputate his right leg above the knee, had a pacemaker installed, suffered two minor strokes, and got two additional infections that required doctors to scrape his lungs which led to the discovery of holes there.

About a week ago, the Broadway actor - who was nominated for a Tony Award - emerged from his coma at last and was following doctors' commands to move his eyes in different directions. At that point it appeared everything was finally heading in the right direction.

That led to a celebration on social media where his fight has become a huge story. Thousands of people sing and dance to one of his songs every day at 6 p.m. and post their efforts online. Additionally, a GoFundMe page has now raised more than $525,000 US for him and his family.

But on Wednesday, Kloots delivered the latest difficult news of this latest turn and asked for people to keep him in their thoughts and prayers.

I know this virus is not going to get him down," she said. It's not how his story ends."

Scott Radley is a Hamilton-based sports columnist at The Spectator. Reach him via email: sradley@thespec.com