24-Year-Old Nurse Reunites with First Responders Who Saved Her Life During Washington, D.C. Marathon

Published: May 21, 2025

Angel Barr, a 24-year-old nurse, was reunited with the first responders who saved her life after she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a marathon in Washington, D.C. last month. The emotional reunion took place on Tuesday, May 20, and was captured on camera.

Barr, who was running the "Cherry Blossom Ten Miler" race in East Potomac Park, suddenly collapsed near Hains Point. Luckily, a bystander, a physician from George Washington University, quickly began CPR. Minutes later, multiple fire boats arrived with a defibrillator, which was used on Barr before paramedics rushed her to the nearby hospital.

The nurse remained in the hospital and has since recovered enough to return to work in the next few days. "Do not take life for granted," Barr told WTOP. "Keep working, striving to be the person that you are today and never stop growing. Life comes with a lot of challenges and obstacles, but those obstacles are meant to be overcome and not stop you up."

Barr was hailed as a "miracle" by the first responders, who told her that she was one of the most unexpected patients" they had ever come across. "They told me I was a miracle," Barr said, adding, "This was a gift from God."

During the reunion, the first responders gave Barr flowers and handed out hugs. Fire Sgt. John Wilkinson told WTOP, "Last time I saw Angel, she was battling for her life and was lifeless. Now to see her walking, talking, and no neurological deficits is phenomenal."