Heart attack victim completes 5K with med students who saved his life

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) - A year after having a heart attack while running a 5K race, a man in Missouri returned to finish the race with the people who helped save his life.

David Houchin woke up in a hospital bed one year ago after suffering a heart attack during the Big Twelve 5K in Kansas City. Houchi said three Kansas University medical students saved his life after they stopped running and began CPR.

"I probably wouldn't have made it if it wasn't for those guys," he said.

A few days later they reunited, and this year, they are ready to walk him across the finish line.

"It's super special. We're thrilled that we're all here together, and it's not snowing," said Sebastian Schoneich, one of the medical students. "We're going to walk it this year."

Another student, Kelly Lembke, said she still gets speechless when she thinks about that day in 2017.

"When we talk to Dave he still tears up, and is just so thankful," she said.

Houchin said his family grew by three.

"He's kind of like our crazy uncle," Lembke said.

Dakota Bunch, the third medical student who assisted him last year, added, "It feels like family. It's bizarre, but it's been a real blessing getting to know him and his family."

Houchin said thanks to them, he has a new start in the "race of life."

"I love them. They're great kids," he said. "they're going to be great doctors. They mean the world to me, and my wife, and my son."