An internist and orthopedic surgeon, both in residency, rushed onto the stage and tried to revive Rodale with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson that originally aired February 5, 1982, Cavett said that "firefighters from across the street" also attended Rodale. Although an electrocardiogram continued to show cardiac activity, Rodale could not be revived, and was pronounced dead on arrival at Roosevelt Hospital.[15][16] The episode was never broadcast, although Cavett has described the story in public appearances and on his blog.[12]