LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — A Lee’s Summit man and Mizzou father saved the life of an ESPN commentator. The man some are calling a hero told FOX4 that football was the last thing on his mind as he jumped into action last weekend in Columbia.
Jack Foster stressed the importance of CPR and safety training after saving the life of a man who was choking on food.
“You just focus on doing what you’re trained to do, doing what you’re trained to do,” Foster said. “When I felt him breathing, I was very relieved.”
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Foster is the man who saved none other than ESPN Anchor Peter Burns.
The big rescue happened Friday night. Foster said it was a family weekend at Mizzou, where he and his wife were visiting his son at school.
They actually wanted to eat at another restaurant, but missed a mistake and ended up at Bud’s BBQ.
His family discovered Burns and the ESPN crew and a short time later there was a commotion.
“I heard the bar stools squeaking and sliding around on the concrete floor,” he recalled.
Foster’s wife said, “The man is choking.”
Foster said he and three other people rushed to Burns’ aid, including Burns’ boyfriend, another stranger and a nurse.
After more than two minutes, Foster managed to remove the food from Burns using the Heimlich maneuver.
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Burns shared a photo and his perspective online on Mondayand said, among other things: “This man saved my life … I knew immediately that it was serious and indicated to our table that I could not breathe.”
Burns also said that he lost consciousness immediately before Foster gave him the Heimlich hold.
“I’m not a hero. I just did what I think anyone would have done. I think the heroes were everyone who tried before me,” Foster said.
“I try to do what others would do and always live by the rule: I try to be a role model for my boys and help when I can. And I just hope that someone is there for my kids if they ever need it and I’m not there.”
Foster said his children and coaching youth sports are the reasons he started training in CPR and safety, and now he continues to be certified.
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Foster encourages others to do the same because you never know when you will be called to save a life.
“I’m just happy,” Foster said. “It makes me so emotional when I hear him go home, have lunch with his kids and see his family. It’s a huge relief for me.”
Burns also praised the Mizzou football coaches. He has minor fractures in four ribs and is on the mend.
Since that happened, Foster said he has texted with Burns almost every day.
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