Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
This Huntsvillian’s heart stopped—how he overcame it + you can help others like him
Reading time: 5 minutes
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It was less than five years ago when Madison County resident Evan Wagner’s heart stopped unexpectedly. Now, he’s urging people to learn CPR to help save lives.
Read on to learn more about Evan’s heart journey and why you should sign up for the Huntsville Heart Walk on May 10 benefiting the American Heart Association (AHA).
2025 Huntsville Heart Walk details
- When: Saturday, May 10 | Check-in 8AM, Walk begins 9AM
- Where: Big Spring International Park, 200 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Route Length: 3.1 miles
- Cost: Free to walk
- Register
Evan’s heart story
On Veterans Day in 2020, Evan Wagner went for a run with his 12-year-old son where they live in Hazel Green, a rural area of Madison County. He knew he wasn’t in the best shape, but it was a nice way to spend some time with his kid and get active.
But after running just a short distance, Evan went into cardiac arrest and collapsed.
In case you didn’t know: During a heart attack, the person is still conscious and breathing and can communicate with bystanders to ask for help. But, during cardiac arrest, a person stops breathing and loses consciousness. This means their survival depends entirely on the response of bystanders.
Luckily, Evan was able to get life-saving support from his son, neighbor and the sheriff’s department until the ambulance arrived, and paramedics were able to revive him a full 20 minutes after he lost consciousness.
“If God hadn’t put me, my family, my neighbor and so many other people in the exact right place and time, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”
Evan Wagner, President + CEO, Avion Solutions, Inc.
This is why Evan says it is so important for people to be trained in hands-only CPR. It’s a vital step in increasing cardiac arrest victims’ chance of survival.
“You don’t learn CPR for yourself. You learn it for your spouse, your kids, your friends, your co-workers. So you’re prepared to save their lives if the need ever arises.”
Evan Wagner, President + CEO, Avion Solutions, Inc.
How is Evan today?
While doctors weren’t able to identify why he went into cardiac arrest, he did receive an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) and was able to return home.
An ICD, which is similar to a pacemaker, is a battery-powered device placed under the skin that keeps track of your heart rate. If an abnormal heart rhythm is detected, the device will deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat.
Today, Evan has recovered from his heart event, and except for the ICD, he says he doesn’t feel any different than he did before going into cardiac arrest.
He also has some advice for others who are currently on their own heart journey.
“My advice to others, regardless of whether they or a loved one has gone through a cardiac event, would be to seek out their purpose in life and then live their lives in a way that focuses on that purpose and on the things in their life that truly matter.”
Evan Wagner, President + CEO, Avion Solutions, Inc.
If you’re interested in learning CPR, sign up for one of AHA’s classes.
A personal fundraising goal of $20,000 for the American Heart Association
Evan will be participating in the 2025 Huntsville Heart Walk alongside his family and co-workers at Avion Solutions, Inc. who have put together multiple teams to participate in this year’s walk.
“My personal goal is to raise at least $2,500 from others. Our company’s goal is to raise $20,000.
To help the company reach our goal, I’m matching the first $50 raised by each of my Avion co-workers.”
Evan Wagner, President + CEO, Avion Solutions, Inc.
Funds raised by Evan and others will help the American Heart Association reach its fundraising goal of $675,000.
How to participate in the 2025 Huntsville Heart Walk
Want to help protect the hearts of those you love? Sign up for the AHA’s 2025 Huntsville Heart Walk on May 10.
The event will take place at the always-gorgeous Big Spring International Park and will be a spirited day of family-friendly activities, music and camaraderie.
You’ll also help AHA raise awareness and funds for life-saving research, education programs and more.
The best part? It’s fun! Whether you walk as an individual or join a team, you’ll be helping to save lives in Huntsville and beyond.
To learn more about the American Heart Association, visit their website or follow them on Facebook + Instagram.
