Darien Woman Called Hero For Rescuing Downed Runner

DARIEN, IL – Darien resident Stephanie Koklys was on a path at Waterfall Glen last week when she came upon a man in distress.

What she did in response later drew the attention of Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese.

On Saturday, the man was running with a friend in the forest preserve south of Darien when he stopped and collapsed, Marchese said.

Koklys, who was on the path, immediately called 911 and administered CPR, the mayor said.

Paramedics later said the downed runner may not have survived without Koklys' intervention, Marchese said. The runner is now reported as receiving treatment.

The mayor said he confirmed the details of the incident after he was told about it by resident Lisa Czepiel.

Marchese referred to Koklys as a hero.

"Stephanie Koklys would probably describe her action as something anyone might do under the same circumstances, while many of us look upon her actions as those of a hero," the mayor said in the city's weekly online newsletter Thursday.

As a result, the runner in distress can continue with his life, get up in the morning, see his family and work at his job, Marchese said

"He has that opportunity, due to the unselfish actions of an individual who saw a need to become involved and followed her instincts," the mayor said.