MIDLAND, Texas, June 1, 2026 — What began as a routine flight from Midland to Las Vegas became a life-or-death emergency, and ultimately a story of survival, thanks to the quick actions of a veteran firefighter and the power of immediate CPR.

Throughout June, recognized as CPR and AED Awareness Month, the American Heart Association is highlighting the dramatic March 3 incident to encourage more people to learn CPR and be ready to act when cardiac arrest strikes.

Capt. Greg Wells, a nearly 20-year veteran of the Midland Fire Department, was seated on a plane preparing for takeoff when he noticed something unusual.

“I heard someone snoring loudly and thought it didn’t make sense,” Wells said. “He had just been on the phone moments before. I knew right away something wasn’t right.”

The passenger, later identified as Kenneth Marbach of Victoria, Texas, was not sleeping. He was in cardiac arrest.

Wells quickly moved into action, assessing Marbach and checking for a pulse. Within seconds, Marbach became unresponsive and stopped breathing.

“There was no time to wait,” Wells said. “As soon as I realized he didn’t have a pulse, I started CPR.”

With the help of flight attendants, Wells directed the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). After delivering a shock and continuing chest compressions, he instructed the crew to return the plane to the gate, where emergency responders took over and transported Marbach to the hospital. Wells later learned just how critical those early moments were.

“I’m convinced if that flight had taken off, he probably wouldn’t have survived,” Wells said. “That delay gave us a chance.”

According to Marbach’s wife, Vallerie Marbach, the situation was even more dire than many realized.

“Kenneth was without oxygen for about 12 minutes,” she said. “The fact that he is alive and functioning is nothing short of a miracle.”

Kenneth Marbach was rushed to a Midland hospital, where doctors discovered a 100% blockage in a major artery and placed two stents. He spent 16 days in intensive care and an additional day in recovery before returning home.

“When I first saw him, he could understand me, but he couldn’t speak,” Vallerie Marbach said. “Every day, we saw progress. We prayed for something new each day, and it came.”

Kenneth Marbach has made a remarkable recovery, regaining strength, mobility and memory. He’s easing back into work after what his wife calls “a second chance at life.”

Marbach, 67, works in the natural gas industry building processing plants and had been preparing for retirement while also planning a new business venture at the time of the incident. His wife said the couple is deeply grateful for Wells and everyone who helped save his life.

“God put Capt. Wells there at exactly the right moment,” she said. “I could have been a widow. I don’t have the words to express how grateful we are that they didn’t give up on him.”

Days after the incident, Wells received a message from Marbach’s daughter, Amanda, followed by a gift and handwritten note from his family. It was a rare and meaningful outcome for a first responder who does not often learn what happens after a patient is transported.

“You don’t always get to hear the outcome,” Wells said. “But this one really shows how important it is to act immediately. CPR may not work every time, but it absolutely can save a life.”

More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals each year in the United States, and nearly 90% are fatal. Immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival, yet many bystanders hesitate because they don’t feel prepared.

Wells emphasized that anyone can step in during an emergency.

“You don’t have to be a medical professional,” he said. “If someone collapses and doesn’t have a pulse, starting CPR right away can make all the difference.”

For the Marbach family, that message carries special weight.

“I think it’s important people know how to do CPR, and that they keep going,” Vallerie Marbach said. “Because of that, my husband is still here.”

During CPR and AED Awareness Month, the American Heart Association encourages everyone to take three simple steps:

  • Learn Hands-Only CPR: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
  • Know how to use an AED: Devices provide clear, step-by-step instructions.
  • Be ready to act: Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, at any time.

“Life can change in an instant,” said Ashley Quintana, development director for the American Heart Association. “But stories like this show that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they are prepared to act.”

The American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative aims to double survival rates from cardiac arrest by equipping more people with the confidence and skills to respond.

To learn Hands-Only CPR or find a course, visit www.heart.org/nation

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than a hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

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