'I just passed out': Good Samaritan saves choking woman at Lillington restaurant

Friday, July 29, 2022
LILLINGTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- An evening out with family and friends at the "Lillington Sports Zone Restaurant and Grill" turned absolutely terrifying for Cynthia Munday.
[Ads /]
"I remember not being able to breathe and then I just passed out. It was just a scary experience," she said.

Her daughter, Priscilla, rushed across the table to help her mother, but didn't know what to do.

A few tables away Connor Stephenson, a local realtor, overheard the commotion and jumped into action.

"I thought if no one else is going to help then I'm going to jump up. This is happening. I am not going to let this person just die right here and right now," Stephenson said.

She isn't formally trained, but acted on pure instinct.
[Ads /]
"I felt her go completely limp so I knew there wasn't much time so I really got down and really put everything into it and did it hard about two times and the food dislodged and that's when I knew she was breathing," Stephenson said.



A week later, Munday wanted to thank her hero and the Town of Coats wanted to recognize Stephenson for her actions that saved a life and created a lifelong bond.

"Life is too short and I learned that Wednesday night when I could have lost my life. I mean I'm still breathing and I'm happy to be here," Munday said.

The two can now say the terrifying scene has turned into a life-long bond.

Both women are hoping their story will inspire us all to learn basic life-saving skills in case you're ever in the same situation.

RESOURCES
What to do for choking adult
What to do if child or infant is choking
Copyright © 2024 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.