A Newfoundland man severely injured in a violent incident in 1994 has reconnected with one of the people who helped save his life.
Dave Murphy, who now lives in Alberta, was stabbed 13 times during the altercation in Ottawa. His life was saved, but Murphy’s situation worsened in the aftermath as he suffered PTSD and depression as a result, gaining 200 lbs.
Murphy eventually turned his life around, learned how to control his PTSD, and dropped the weight.
In 2015, he says he began a campaign to reconnect with the paramedics who saved his life over 20 years earlier.
Each year he renewed his search, but to no avail. A few weeks ago, he posted what he said would be his “last attempt” to find one of the paramedics. This time, the posting was successful and Murphy was connected with Joanne Overton McGregor.
Murphy asked McGregor a few questions, and after the woman sent him a picture, his “jaw hit the floor.”
Murphy and his family video-chatted with the woman. He says he felt closure in doing so, and that a weight had just been lifted off his shoulder.
Murphy says McGregor and her family live about 3 hours away, so they’re hoping to get together in-person this summer.
A year ago today I heard from two of the @OttawaPolice detectives that worked my cas. Saturday I got to video with one of the paramedics who saved my life. This summer I'm bringing my family to meet her. A 28 year chapter and seven year search over!
Never Give Up! pic.twitter.com/pFBpvmBAIZ— DaveMurNQ (@DaveMurYYC) January 31, 2022
