95 Cavalier 2.2 roller valve removal

Trying to replace Number 1 Cylinder intake valve roller lifter but it won't come out!!!! Other lifters can be removed without any difficulty. The problem existed for a while before my son reported it to me. Removing plug on Number 1 cylinder didn't make the engine run any rougher so that led me to doing a compression test on cylinder and it failed.

Removed everything according to manual and found this lifter and push rod very loose and not moving the rocker arm.

Has any one ever seen this problem before? My son continuing to use the car may have caused damage to the lifter that would keep it from being removed?

Does any one know short of removing the camshaft how I can proceed?

Can I remove the camshaft without removing the engine from the car?

ANY HELP OUT THERE WILL BE APPRECIATED!