Bill Murray Performs Heimlich Maneuver, Saves Life Of Choking Man – ABC News

Phoenix, AZ — In a scene straight from the movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray saved the life of a man who was choking while dining at a popular steakhouse in Phoenix, Arizona today.
Murray was enjoying a meal at Meritage Steakhouse with friends when a man three tables from him began to choke on his food.
“I saw this guy choking, so I went over and helped him out,” Murray said. “I actually learned the Heimlich maneuver while working on the movie Groundhog Day. I’m glad I was able to get some good use of that skill outside of the movies.”
37-year-old, Paul Horner, told ABC News what happened.
“I guess I just took too much of a bite of streak because suddenly I couldn’t breath and started choking. My wife says I started to turn blue, and the next thing I know, none other than Bill Murray is giving me the Heimlich maneuver,” Horner says. “It was an amazing experience and he is such a good person. I offered to pay his tab and the party he was with, but he wouldn’t let me. He did say I could buy him a drink though, so that’s what I did. He then ate one of my french fries and told me, ‘no one will ever believe you‘.”
Tom Downey, who witnessed the incident, told local news station ABC 15 about the day’s excitement.
“This man started choking, so without hesitation, Bill Murray got up from his table, ran over to this gentleman and immediately started giving him the Heimlich. While everyone else in the restaurant was wondering what to do, Murray stepped up and saved the day,” Downey said. “It was surreal and absolutely amazing. It was great to meet Mr. Murray, what a cool guy.”
Sarah Bradley, a spokeswoman for Sock It Forward, a group that provides the homeless and those less fortunate with brand new socks told ABC News that she isn’t surprised by Murray’s heroics.
“Bill Murray is always doing something amazing,” Bradley said. “I actually met Mr. Murray a while back when we were starting our cause that gives new socks to the homeless. Bill made a donation right there on the spot, saying what we were doing was incredible; he’s such a great guy. He truly cares about people and making the world a better place.”
Murray told ABC News he will be in the Valley this week staying with friends and enjoying the sites.
“This week I plan on going to a couple things with friends and then on Wednesday will probably end up at the Tempe Improv again. There’s a couple comics playing there that night that I’ve been wanting to see for a while now. I might tell some jokes if I feel like it, we’ll see. I really like bartending. Maybe they’ll let me do that. Regardless, it should be a fun time for everyone.”

Author: Amanda Jones
Author: Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones specializes in social media marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Social Media Management from the University of Florida and a Social Media Professional Certificate from the University of Miami.

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