MISSOULA, Mont. — The 52nd annual YMCA Riverbank Run was shaping up to be a fun event for a good cause. An estimated 2,600 runners took to the sidewalks in three different races. However, one runner is lucky to be alive.
During the third race, bystanders began to call for a medic. Fortunately, off-duty Missoula Rural Fire District firefighter Taylor Blakely was on scene.
He said he was waiting for his wife to finish the run so they could do the fun run event with their children when he heard the call.
Avid runner, Eric Crosby of Post Falls, had suffered a heart attack on the Beartracks Bridge.
Blakely jumped into action, beginning CPR on Crosby until Missoula Fire Department and Missoula Emergency Services made it on scene and took over life-saving efforts.
“It’s a lot different when it surprises you. When we get a call at the fire department. We have some time to prepare,” Blakely said.
He also credits the efforts of the MFD Pit Crew, Missoula Police Department, and Missoula Emergency Services for saving Crosby’s life.
Blakely also urges people to take CPR courses, as they could save a life one day.
If Blakely was to meet the Crosby, he would say that he’s glad that they were okay since he doesn’t get to say that too often.
Montana YMCA sent out the following:
Eric Crosby of Post Falls, Idaho, is on the road to recovery after suffering a heart attack during the YMCA Riverbank Run’s Trifecta race on Saturday, April 27.
Crosby is an avid runner who last year completed a goal of running a half marathon in every state. He finished his 50th half marathon in Lahaina, Hawaii. Crosby plans to return to Missoula for next year’s Riverbank Run. Originally from Chicago, Crosby is an English teacher in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
The YMCA thanks Missoula first responders and good Samaritans for their life-saving action.