Juror Wants To Shake Hand Of Sacramento Deputy Who Saved Him From Heart Attack

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The juror whose heart stopped beating at a Sacramento courthouse wants to shake the hand of the deputy who saved his life.

Darryl Hurt says he doesn't remember the massive heart attack he experienced, but he knows he's lucky to be alive, and he's thankful someone was there to help.

"He probably saved my bacon," he said, laughing.

The retired electrician has a great sense of humor, but it was no laughing matter more than a week ago when his heart stopped beating and he collapsed in the hallway of the Sacramento County Courthouse.

"It happened so fast," he said.

CBS13 spoke with Sacramento County Sheriff's Deputy John Gonzales the day after the ordeal. Gonzales says he performed CPR up until paramedics arrived. The juror's heart stopped beating twice on Gonzales' watch.

It was exhausting, but Gonzales refused to give up. So intense, that Hurt's arm is now in a sling from where Gonzales broke his ribs performing CPR.

"He did a heck of a job for me and he didn't give up," Hurt said.

He's doing much better now. When he's released from the hospital, he wants to do a little fishing. But first, he wants to stop by the courthouse and shake the hand of the man who saved his life.

"I just want to thank him, but I just haven't had a chance yet," he said.

Hurt hopes to be released before the end of the week.