Survivor: Russell Laney
Date of Event:
Rescuer(s):Taylor Sabadic, Andrea Budelier, Maria, Chris Scarborough, Kyle Clark, Denise, police officers, and EMS crew
On April 10, 2025, Russ Laney, age 78, stopped at a strip mall after attending a cardiac rehabilitation class. After purchasing wine at a local shop, the cashier, Andrea, noticed he did not look well and kindly carried his box to his truck. Moments later, as Russ prepared to get into his vehicle, he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. He remembers nothing from that point forward.
Bystanders Take Immediate Action
Maria, who works at the Front Porch Café next door, helped piece together what happened. Chris Scarborough and Kyle Clark saw Russ on the ground and rushed for help. Taylor Sabadic, an off-duty lifeguard, immediately began CPR. Others called 911. Andrea placed her jacket under Russ’s head. Denise searched nearby stores for a defibrillator. People gathered and prayed.
Kill Devil Hills police arrived first. Within minutes, EMS took over care, delivered a shock, and transported Russ to Outer Banks Hospital. After additional treatment, he was airlifted to Chesapeake Regional Hospital in Virginia, where he remained for nine days.
A Life Saved by Many
Russ still has no memory of the event and continues to recover, but he is deeply grateful to be alive. He credits the quick actions of strangers, workers from nearby shops, police officers, and EMS crews for saving his life.
He is proud to live in a community where people stepped in without hesitation to help someone they did not know.