Entertainment

Grammy Award-Winning Guitarist Al Di Meola Suffers Heart Attack During Performance: REPORT

VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images

Leena Nasir Entertainment Reporter
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Famous American guitarist Al Di Meola suffered a heart attack on stage while performing in Romania on Wednesday night, the Associated Press (AP) reports.

The talented artist was playing a concert at a venue in Bucharest at 9 p.m. when he began expressing signs of distress, according to AP. Photographer Dragos Cristescu said he saw the 69-year-old clasp his chest while performing and then struggle to walk off the stage, the outlet reported.

The two other members of the band continued to play for a few minutes as the award-winning guitarist shuffled offstage. They called off the concert upon learning about the severity of the situation, according to AP.

Di Meola was admitted to the cardiology ward at the Bagdasar-Arseni emergency hospital, the outlet reported, citing a statement from the hospital.

The star is receiving treatment for a segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), according to AP. This condition is described as being “a type of heart attack that is more serious and has a greater risk of serious complications and death,” according to the Cleveland Clinic. (RELATED: Toni Braxton Reveals She Underwent Traumatic, Live-Saving Surgery)

Recent reports indicate he is in stable condition at the time of writing. No further information about his health has been shared publicly.

Di Meola has thrilled fans with his talent over the span of a decades-long career. He has amassed a number of accolades and honors, and is a Grammy-winning guitarist. Fans, friends and loved ones have flocked to social media to express concern for his wellbeing, and have posted a series of encouraging messages to wish him a speedy recovery.