9-Year-Old Saves Man’s Life Just 24 Hours After Learning CPR

March 24, 2026

Fourth grader Logan Vangemert from Martin, Michigan, is being celebrated as a real-life hero after saving a man’s life—just one day after learning how.

Logan and Tom

In early February, Logan was at church in Richland when a church leader named Tom suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest. While adults nearby panicked and struggled to respond, Logan didn’t hesitate.

“I did CPR on him,” Logan said, demonstrating how he performed chest compressions.

Amazingly, Logan had only learned hands-only CPR less than 24 hours earlier at school. But in that critical moment, he remembered exactly what to do—and it made all the difference.

After several intense minutes, an AED was brought in and used to restart Tom’s heart. He has since made a full recovery after undergoing surgery and receiving a pacemaker.

Logan believes something greater guided him in that moment.

“I heard a voice in my head telling me to go, so I sprinted over there,” he recalled. “Then it said some pretty good things about me.”

His bravery hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Students and teachers packed an auditorium at Martin High School to honor him, cheering as he received awards for his lifesaving actions. He was also recognized by local authorities and the American Heart Association.

His mom couldn’t be prouder.

“I am beyond proud of him for stepping up and doing something extremely difficult—even for an adult,” she said.

Now, this young hero has his sights set on the future—and it’s a big one. Logan says he wants to pursue a career in medicine someday.