Byron City Council honors good Samaritan for life-saving actions at Oxbow Park

Ray Halgrimson performed CPR on a man experiencing cardiac arrest until emergency crews arrived.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:48am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph of a park pathway with soft, warm light filtering through the trees, creating a serene and contemplative mood.A good Samaritan's quick thinking and life-saving actions at a local park highlight the importance of community engagement and emergency preparedness.Byron Today

The Byron City Council recognized a good Samaritan named Ray Halgrimson for his quick actions that saved a man's life at Oxbow Park in February. Halgrimson performed CPR on the man, who was experiencing cardiac arrest, until emergency responders arrived on the scene. The patient was then transported to the hospital for further treatment.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of community members being prepared to provide life-saving assistance in emergency situations. Halgrimson's actions likely made the difference between life and death for the cardiac arrest patient, demonstrating the value of CPR training and the willingness to step up and help others in need.

The details

In February, a male patient experienced cardiac arrest while at Oxbow Park in Byron, Minnesota. Ray Halgrimson, a bystander, immediately began performing CPR on the man until emergency crews from the Byron first responders, Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Services, and Olmsted and Mayo Dispatch Center arrived on the scene. The patient was then transported to St. Marys Hospital for further treatment.

  • In February, a man experienced cardiac arrest at Oxbow Park.

The players

Ray Halgrimson

A good Samaritan who performed life-saving CPR on a man experiencing cardiac arrest at Oxbow Park.

Byron first responders

Emergency personnel who responded to the cardiac arrest incident at Oxbow Park.

Olmsted County Sheriff's Office

Law enforcement agency that assisted with the emergency response at Oxbow Park.

Mayo Clinic Ambulance Services

Medical transport provider that transported the cardiac arrest patient to the hospital.

Olmsted and Mayo Dispatch Center

Emergency communications center that coordinated the response to the cardiac arrest incident.

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The takeaway

This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community members being prepared to provide life-saving assistance in emergency situations. Halgrimson's quick thinking and willingness to perform CPR likely made the difference between life and death for the cardiac arrest patient, underscoring the value of CPR training and the impact a single individual can have in an emergency.