Mark Hietpas Memorial AED Fund

Hi, my husband, Mark Hietpas, tragically lost his life in a rip current while swimming in the British Virgin Islands. Although life saving measures were administered, he died on the beach.

Guests of the resort were able to use the onsite AED (automated external defibrillator) by following the devices verbal prompts to try to resuscitate Mark. Although he was conscious when rescuers swam to him, he stopped breathing while being pulled from the water.

The NIH estimates about 1,700 lives are saved in the United States per year by bystanders using an AED. Because too much time had passed, they were unable to save Mark, however 1,700 other families will get to continue loving on their person this year because a bystander administered life saving measures using an AED.

If you feel compelled, please join me and Mark’s family in purchasing AEDs to be donated to small businesses in Mark’s town of Flagler Beach.