The family of Damar Hamlin is asking fans to continue to pray for the Buffalo Bills safety after he suffered cardiac arrest on the field Monday night during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Hamlin’s family released a statement on Tuesday morning, expressing gratitude to first responders and stating updates will be passed along as soon as they are available.

Here is the statement:

On behalf of our family, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the love and support shown to Damar during this challenging time. We are deeply moved by the prayers, kind words, and donations from fans across the country.

“We also want to acknowledge the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center who have provided exceptional care to Damar. We feel so blessed to be part of the Buffalo Bills organization and to have their support. We also want to thank Coach (Zac) Taylor and the Bengals for everything they’ve done.

“Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.

“Please keep Damar in your prayers. We will release updated as soon as we have them.”

The 24-year-old Hamlin remains in critical condition in a Cincinnati hospital a day after the Bills said his heart stopped while making a tackle in the opening quarter of a game against the Bengals. Medical staff restored his heartbeat during frantic moments on the field before he was loaded into an ambulance.

Buffalo and Cincinnati fans gathered at University of Cincinnati Medical Center in support of Hamlin late Monday night.

Meanwhile, his community toy drive – The Chasing M’s Foundation Community Toy Drive – has raised more than $4 million since Hamlin’s injury.

Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.