Runner Thanks Detroit Officers Who Saved His Life During Marathon

DETROIT, MI — A young runner had a chance to thank his real life superheroes this week for saving his life after he collapsed during the Detroit Free Press Marathon.

On Oct. 17, 2021, Tommy Korneick, 26, was 10 miles into the marathon when he went into cardiac arrest and collapsed, according to a GoFundMe page set up for the Central Michigan University student to help pay for his medical expenses.

Detroit Officers Dario Sharp and Troy Wesley quickly jumped into action and began performing CPR.

"This act of heroism saved Tommy's life," his online fundraising page reads. "He was rushed to the hospital where the team of doctors and nurses had to shock Tommy's heart two times to bring him back."

“Not very many people would have made it. It’s a miracle that I’m alive. I remember kind of being at the start line and then I kinda just started veering off towards the edge and then I woke up later on and was told that I was found on the sidewalk unconscious,” Kornieck told ClickOnDetroit.

On Wednesday, Korneick was able to thank the officers in person for saving his life and gifted them with bracelets that read, "Tommy's Hero."

"These bracelets are far more than a holiday present; they're a token of appreciation for Ofc. Wesley and Ofc. Sharp who helped save Tommy's life after he collapsed during the Freep Marathon," the Detroit Police Department tweeted. "We are grateful for our heroic officers and our community supporters!"

According to Korneick's friends and family, following Korneick's health scare, it was discovered that it may have been the result of a genetic heart defect. He now has a defibrillator as a result.

Korneick is expected to graduate from Central Michigan University in July 2022 as a physician assistant.