Saved at the Lerner Theatre: man reconnects with rescuers and mayor in heartwarming encounter

ELKHART, Ind. -- ABC57 got to exclusively meet with the man whose life was saved at the Lerner Theatre in Elkhart in February and reconnect him with the two neighbors who saved his life.

Ken Crook was heading downstairs at the Lerner when he says he started feeling dizzy and lightheaded.

Jon Simmons, a retired Elkhart EMT, noticed Crook's distress and started trying to talk to him. That's when Crook collapsed, and Simmons started administering CPR.

Judy Johnson was wrapping up an event downstairs when she saw what was happening, and immediately jumped in to help.

The two helped save Crook's life, and they all had the chance to reconnect this past week at the place where their paths initially crossed.

Mayor Rod Roberson also joined them at the Lerner Theatre, where he presented Johnson with the same Civic Excellence Award that was given to Simmons. It was created by the mayor after he was inspired by the heroic, selfless actions of Johnson and Simmons, the first two recipients of the honor.

The situation on February 10th could have had a different outcome if no one in the theatre knew how to administer CPR while they waited for medics. Elkhart General Hospital offers CPR certification classes to prevent bystanders during incidents like this one.

To see a schedule of classes and to learn more, visit the hospital's website.