Ex NFL Star Peyton Hillis Shares A Near Death Situation While Saving Children

Peyton Hillis had to spend a lot of time in the hospital as a result of his selfless deed. It also included the most terrifying experience of his life.

Ex NFL Star Peyton Hillis Shares A Near Death Situation While Saving Children

A Florida beach visitor named Peyton Hillis spent two weeks in the ICU after saving two kids from drowning on January 4. Five months after the incident, on Tuesday morning, the former NFL running back opened out about his close call.

Hillis saved the lives of two kids, including his 9-year-old son, who was drowning at the beach where the family was vacationing.

On Good Morning America, Hillis discussed the heroic incident that almost claimed the life of John and revealed the “scariest point” of the entire ordeal.

Hillis, 37, recalls taking his family to the beach the day after a hurricane, noting that there were no banners indicating the presence of a hazardous current and that everything appeared to be normal.

“I hear my mom screaming and so, I looked at her and she pointed out to my son, and she says, ‘Orry and Camilla are drowning,’” Hillis recalled. “… And so, I didn’t even think, I reacted and started running into the water.”

“I think the scariest point was when I’m swimming to my son and I have to pass by him because my niece is in more danger,” Hillis explained. “I knew that I had to pass him up to get to Camille first. If I didn’t then there’s no way she would’ve made it.”

“It is 100 percent a miracle that someone didn’t die,” Hillis explained.

That emotion had to be virtually intolerable for a parent. Hillis ultimately made the correct decision, though, and was able to save both his kid and his niece. Hillis’ return with the second child, his son, caused him to lose consciousness and develop lung and renal failure.

Hillis had renal problems when he was taken to the hospital and put on a ventilator. After 10 days, he came to, and after two weeks of recovery in the critical care unit.

He said that although his physical and emotional recovery is ongoing, he is taking things day by day.

“Makes you realize what’s really important,” Hillis said. “If you’re not here for your loved ones, your family, your friends, why are you here?”

 

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