Henrico veteran’s life saved by wife’s CPR skills, community action
VENN
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- As American Heart Month comes to an end, a Henrico County family's story serves as a powerful reminder of the life-saving potential of CPR.
Jon Gray, a 49-year-old combat veteran from the Short Pump area, survived a sudden cardiac arrest last summer thanks to the quick actions of his wife and neighbors.
On July 14, 2024 -- a seemingly ordinary hot summer day -- Jon and his wife, Jill Gray, were taking their usual walk near Summerview Drive and Vanna Lane in Henrico.
What started as a routine stroll quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency.
"We're about a quarter mile from the house and I turned to her and I said, 'Gosh, I'm super dizzy,' -- and that [is] the last thing I [remember,]'" Jon said, recalling that moment.
What happened next is that Jon -- who had always maintained a healthy lifestyle -- suddenly collapsed, suffering a cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation.
For Jill, a cardiac surgery navigator at HCA Henrico Doctors' Hospital, the moment was terrifying. She described it as "the worst day of [her] life."
Fortunately, her medical training kicked in immediately.
"He did not have a pulse and he wasn't breathing," Jill said.
With the help of neighbors who rushed to assist, she and two others began administering CPR to Jon. They did this until EMS arrived.
Jon and Jill Gray, alongside several family members. (Photo provided to 8News by the Grays.)
That community effort proved to be Jon's lifeline.
Remarkably, the father of three regained consciousness in the ambulance, completely unaware of the ordeal he had just endured.
"I knew what hard days were in a combat zone -- and this was a completely different animal," Jon said. "But it was very humbling. And I'm thankful to be alive."
Fast forward to October 2024, and Jon -- now fitted with a pacemaker and having completed cardiac rehabilitation -- participated in the American Heart Association (ADA) Heart Walk.
"Feeling like $1,000,000," Jon said. "And it was quite the journey to get there."
Jon Gray pictured at the AHA Heart walk on October 19, 2024. (Photo provided to 8News by the Grays.)
Jon Gray pictured at the AHA Heart walk on October 19, 2024. (Photo provided to 8News by the Grays.)
Jon Gray pictured at the AHA Heart walk on October 19, 2024. (Photo provided to 8News by the Grays.)
The Grays also expressed their deep gratitude for the entire team of nurses, doctors and staff who played a vital role in Jon's recovery at HCA Henrico Doctors' Hospital.
The Grays are now passionate advocates for bystander CPR, emphasizing its critical importance in saving lives. According to the ADA, each year, more than 357,000 Americans experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital -- and nearly 90% do not survive.
"Bystander CPR, when activated early, really saves lives -- and this saved Jon's life," Jill said.
Looking ahead, Jon advocates for mandatory yearly CPR training in all businesses. While OSHA recommends CPR certification, it's not currently a requirement for all workplaces.
The American Red Cross offers CPR classes throughout Richmond and Virginia. Classes are scheduled and held in various locations. All classes are taught by expert instructors. Click here for more information.
The ADA also has an online course to get CPR certified. Click here to learn more.
