Rich and his daughter, Nicole, asked that we provide this update:

Rich is in stable condition at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, where he expects to remain through at least Thursday (Jan. 3). He is improving but is still undergoing a battery of tests. Doctors have ruled out a heart attack.

Rich was taken to the hospital after collapsing in a hallway at the Fort Wayne Marriott at about 3:30 a.m. Sunday. He said he was coughing so hard that he couldn’t breathe and passed out, falling to the floor. Luckily, several people – including Tony Stewart – came to his aid and called for an ambulance. Nicole wanted to publicly thank Tony for calming the situation and also for loaning her his Hummer so that she could get to the hospital.

Rich said the hospital determined that he was dehydrated and that his stress level was high. He said he has not been feeling well for a couple of weeks and occasionally has had trouble breathing. His is still grieving the deaths of his sister and brother-in-law, Colleen and Steve Savage, who both died in the past two months.

Rich wanted to thank everyone for their concern and admits he is homesick. He is able to have visitors and receive phone calls. The main number for the hospital is (260) 266-1000; he is in Room 6102.

--Ron Ware, Rumble Series