At a certain juncture during a recent morning surfing session in Huntington Beach, a trio of companions bantered about the lack of waves and the small surf – yet they all unanimously agreed that it was pleasant simply to be out in the water together.
However, this pleasant moment took a sudden turn when 26-year-old Chris Wessels’ demeanor shifted, and he expressed, “I have a sensation that I might pass out.”
Subsequently, he collapsed onto his surfboard as his heart ceased beating.
Jeffrey Weber and Shayla Bauer, his friends, urgently paddled him towards the shore, imploring others to contact emergency services.
Weber placed his hands on Wessels’ chest and initiated chest compressions. Recalling a scene from “The Office,” where actor Steve Carell utilized the song “Stayin’ Alive” to time compressions during a CPR class, Weber found himself synchronizing the beat in his mind with each compression.
- Friends Jeffrey Weber, Shayla Bauer, Samantha Dellenoci, and Christopher Wessels captured a moment in a photograph before embarking on a surfing session, during which Weber and Bauer sprang into action when Wessels experienced cardiac arrest while surfing on Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Dellenoci)
- Christopher Wessels, a 26-year-old whose heart stopped while surfing on Jan. 16, and his fiancée Samantha Dellenoci, had recently completed a half marathon. (Photo courtesy of Dellenoci)
- Friends Christopher Wessels and Jeffrey Weber catching a wave together on a recent day, with Weber administering CPR to Wessels to save his life when his heart stopped beating. (Photo courtesy Shayla Bauer)
- Christopher Wessels, 26, flashing a peace sign during a surf session. Wessels’ heart ceased beating on Jan. 16, 2024, prompting his friends to intervene and save him. (Photo courtesy Shayla Bauer)
Pursuing the California Dream
Samantha Dellenoci and Wessels crossed paths while in college in Maryland back in October 2019, and less than a year later, they relocated to Orange County to embark on a new chapter together.
“We both harbored aspirations of experiencing the California lifestyle,” Dellenoci reminisced. “Upon arriving here, we endeavored to make it our abode.”
Learning to surf became a part of their dream, with frequent outings to the waves at Newport Beach, Dana Point, and San Onofre two to three times a week.
“Commencing our day together in the ocean felt almost spiritual to us; it provided a sense of grounding,” she shared.
The couple established connections within the community, joining fellow surf enthusiasts at Blackies beach in Newport Beach on Friday mornings and forming friendships at Canopy Church in Costa Mesa.
Engaging in various activities together, they both completed a half marathon in San Diego in December, just a month before Wessels’ cardiac incident.
“He was in excellent shape, having successfully completed a half marathon,” Dellenoci remarked. “Yet, while surfing, his heart unexpectedly stopped. It’s truly perplexing.”
Recalling the Critical Moment
Weber reflected on the fateful morning of Jan. 16 while en route to Hoag Hospital to visit his friend. Surfing off the dog beach in Huntington Beach, approximately 20 minutes into their session, Wessels lost consciousness and his pulse faded.
“We were initially unsure of the severity of the situation,” Weber recounted. “As we paddled towards him, it became evident that something was amiss.”
Despite the minimal wave activity, maneuvering Wessels to the shore posed challenges. Placing him between their boards, they navigated through the water, urgently seeking assistance from two young surfers.
“The process of transporting him from the board to the shore was arduous. He was limp and heavy, prolonging the extraction process,” Weber described. “It was an incredibly distressing moment.”
Having undergone CPR training in high school, Weber relied on instinct as he administered aid. The rhythmic beats from “The Office” episode resurfaced during the compressions.
“Ah, ah ah ah, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive…”
“Despite the gravity of the situation, that tune lingered in my mind,” he acknowledged.
Bauer contacted lifeguards while the operator guided them through the compressions.
“We were in a state of turmoil, grappling to comprehend the situation, inundated with myriad thoughts,” Weber disclosed. “A passerby walking their dog and another individual promptly offered their assistance, halting their activities to lend a hand.”
Rotating in performing chest compressions, they sustained their efforts until the arrival of first responders.
Weber expressed gratitude towards the unidentified individuals, embracing them before parting ways as Wessels was swiftly transported to the hospital.
“They played a pivotal role in saving his life during those critical moments before the professionals arrived,” he acknowledged. “It was remarkable how strangers stepped in to assist. We are immensely thankful for their intervention.”
Embracing Blessings Amid Adversity
Amidst the challenging days following the incident, Dellenoci found solace in the kindness of others. Wessels remained in a medically-induced coma for several days, subsequently requiring a ventilator before displaying signs of recovery.
While Wessels’ cognitive functions remain sluggish, he exhibits gestures of affection towards Dellenoci. Despite his progress, tasks such as walking and communication pose ongoing challenges.
“We must exercise patience, but we remain optimistic that with time, proper care, and the expertise of medical professionals, he will continue to show improvement. Our prayers are for his complete recovery,” Dellenoci expressed. “Though the situation is daunting, we have encountered numerous blessings along the way.”
The underlying cause of Wessels’ cardiac arrest remains undetermined. Extensive therapy and rehabilitation lie ahead in the coming months, possibly years, as per Dellenoci.
He has been admitted to the Fudge Family Acute Rehab Center at Hoag Hospital, where he will undergo at least three hours of therapy five days a week.
Support from the community has been instrumental in offsetting the mounting medical expenses.
Wessels’ family recently met with the first responders who played a crucial role in preserving his life, extending their gratitude from paramedics to firefighters and lifeguards. The unanimous sentiment echoed that without Weber’s prompt initiation of CPR, Wessels would not have survived.
From the beach to the hospital, Wessels endured 45 minutes without a heartbeat.
With uncertainties looming, Dellenoci regrettably had to postpone their grand wedding scheduled for Feb. 24 overlooking the ocean at Casa Romantica. Nonetheless, she remains hopeful that Wessels’ condition will permit a modest ceremony on the same date they initially chose.
“All I desire is to marry him,” she affirmed. “He is the love of my life.”
Irrespective of the forthcoming challenges, Dellenoci intends to convey profound appreciation to those who have supported them along this arduous journey.
“Our hearts are filled with love and support,” she acknowledged. “We have come to realize the collective effort required to bring him to this point. Despite the tragic ordeal, the community has rallied behind him, a truly remarkable experience to be a part of. I feel secure, trusting in a higher power to guide us through without the need for undue worry or control. This realization has been a gift each day.”
The pivotal role of CPR in those critical moments is unmistakable. Discussions have already commenced among friends and family regarding organizing a CPR training session for interested individuals.
Dellenoci expresses profound gratitude towards their friends for their immediate response, providing Wessels with the vital assistance needed for survival.
“I recognize the distress they must have endured witnessing the event,” she empathized. “Our prayers are with them for peace, healing, and blessings, as they were instrumental in saving his life.”
Weber, reflecting on the incident, appreciates his high school CPR training and the lasting impact of “The Office” episode that guided his actions during the crisis.
He advocates for CPR education, emphasizing its potential to save lives in critical situations involving acquaintances or strangers.
“It’s imperative to have this knowledge; it can truly be a lifesaver,” he stressed.