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Local boy thanks those who helped during near-death experience

PITTSBURGH — A local high school student survived a near-death experience thanks to the quick-thinking actions of school staff members and emergency personnel.

Channel 11's Timyka Artist spoke with Duncan Lin and his mother, Li Hua Li, on Wednesday about the scary moment earlier this year.

The Coraopolis teen said the life-changing event happened in January during gym class at Cornell High School.

Lin blacked out when his heart stopped beating and he lost consciousness. Thankfully, staff members jumped in and gave him CPR and resuscitated him before medics arrived.

According to Li, her son’s heart stopped beating three times at school and five times at the hospital.

She said doctors gave her son less than a 3 percent chance of survival.

“In the hospital, the doctor told me, ‘Your son is not going to make it,’” Li said.

After being in a coma for nearly two months, the 16-year-old miraculously woke up. He was diagnosed with a rare heart condition.

“I was really shocked it happened because I don’t know it happened to me,” Lin said.

Lin was eventually discharged from the hospital in April and returned to school.

“I’m really thankful that I’m alive and I can be here,” Lin said.

Lin doesn’t remember the events that led up to him being hospitalized for months, but he is quick to thank any and everyone who helped him.

“I’d like to thank all the people from my school and everyone that helped me along the way,” he said.

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