Late last week, Washington Capitals public address announcer Wes Johnson was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Georgia, where he was supposed to host a benefit event for the Alzheimer’s Association. Since then, Wes has been in an intensive care unit in Atlanta receiving treatment with his wife Kim and his sons by his side.
Wes’s situation is serious. Kim tells RMNB that the family is taking things “hour-by-hour.” The cause of Wes’s emergency is currently unknown. “He’s still holding steady,” she said as of 6 pm Monday.
News of Wes’s medical emergency was first made public in a GoFundMe posted to his social media accounts by his close friend, Bill Glasser, with whom Johnson worked at the iconic radio station, WHFS. Money from the GoFundMe will go towards Wes’s medical expenses and help support him while he is unable to work.
Glasser wrote on the GoFundMe:
On Wednesday, Jan. 22nd, Wes volunteered to host a benefit event for the National Alzheimer’s Foundation in Atlanta. He flew down and checked into his hotel room- but something happened and he didn’t make it out of the hotel.
When he didn’t show up at the event, his wife Kim tried desperately to get in touch with him. It took hotel security to enter his room and discover him unconscious and barely alive.
EMT crews struggled to find a pulse.
Right now, Wes continues to battle for his life in an intensive care unit.
The Capitals released a statement on Monday afternoon encouraging fans to donate.
The Washington Capitals express our heartfelt thoughts and send our best wishes to our beloved public address announcer, Wes Johnson, as he faces a significant medical emergency. We kindly ask everyone to keep Wes in your thoughts and to respect the family’s privacy as they navigate this challenging time and focus on Wes’ well-being.
The Washington Capitals express our heartfelt thoughts and send our best wishes to our beloved public address announcer, Wes Johnson.
Please visit the GoFundMe page established by the Johnson family for additional support at https://t.co/2cUDf6v6Im pic.twitter.com/sxwolDSjC4
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 27, 2025
As of publishing, the GoFundMe has raised a staggering $118,000, nearly $70k more than the original goal. Capitals owner Ted Leonsis personally donated $25,000.
Johnson, 63, has been the in-arena announcer for the Capitals for 25 years. He’s the voice behind “Unleash the Fury.” He’s announced hundreds of Alex Ovechkin goals. He’s also an accomplished actor of voice and screen, a veteran, and a tireless humanitarian.
But what makes Wes so wonderful is the creativity and joy he brings to every moment — his innate, irrepressible drive to make everyone feel special and heard. He is a tireless ambassador for the Capitals and the arts.
He is also personally one of my best friends. Wes married me and my wife. And I named my only son, Ethan Wesley, after him. The reason why is because, as I’ve told Ethan countless times since his birth, I hope someday he can be just as kind and creative as Wes is. A person that brings light to every room he enters.
Wes has been there to help make me be a better person and father. And while tonight I’m devastated because his light has been partially dimmed (I hope only briefly), I think we can all be warmed by the love, graciousness, and positive memories that he’s given so many. If the Capitals’ community is a ship, Wes Johnson is its captain. Which is why so many of us feel adrift at this moment.
We’ll have updates on Wes as they become available. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Please consider contributing to his fundraiser.
Updates
9 pm: Wes, who was intubated since his collapse last week, has stabilized enough where he was able to have his tubes taken out. He remains in ICU.
January 28
11 am: Wes has taken another turn for the better. “He is awake and talking, but just a little out of it. He’s still in ICU but far more stable. Specialists have a theory on what the health issue is and they’re running tests to zero in on the cause.” Via his wife Kim and posted by @FalloutForHope.
1:30 pm: $153,751 has been raised for Wes through 2.4k donations.
January 30
1:20 pm: In a photo posted to the GoFundMe, Wes holds up a sign that says WES JOHNSON LIVE. “Guess who’s upright and talking? Wes is,” the update reads.
January 31
9:00 pm: Wes was released from the hospital today in a stunning turnaround. “It’s going to be a while as I work my way back,” he said. “But I’m coming back. I look forward to having you hear me then.”
