NH Governor Rescues Choking Man at Lobster Roll Eating Contest

During a recent lobster roll eating contest at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu became an unexpected hero when he rushed to assist a choking contestant. The incident occurred on Sunday and brought both excitement and a sense of urgency to the competitive event.

Sununu noticed the situation when he saw a contestant, identified as Christian Moreno, tapping his chest in distress. Realizing what was happening, Sununu quickly moved to help. In a statement to ABC News, he described the moment, saying, “In the commotion and excitement of the contest, I was the first to notice that the gentleman at the far end of the row of contestants was choking. So, I moved forward and immediately started giving him the Heimlich.”

Moreno was struggling to breathe, and the governor immediately responded with four to five abdominal thrusts. Fortunately, their prompt action was soon supplemented by emergency responders, who continued the Heimlich maneuver until they successfully dislodged a piece of lobster from Moreno’s windpipe.

Amazingly, after the scare, Moreno returned to the competition. “After the lobster roll was dislodged, Christian went right back to the contest, which I couldn’t believe,” Sununu recounted. “He ate another seven lobster rolls after that!” This determination showcased not only Moreno’s competitive spirit but also the lighter side of a potentially dangerous situation.

Moreno later admitted that he was not wearing his glasses at the time of the incident, which meant he didn’t recognize the governor at first. He recalled a humorous conversation with his friend during the ordeal. “My counter came up to me and, like, made a joke. And was like, ‘Oh, like, I bet nobody else can say that they’ve gotten the Heimlich from the governor before,'” he shared. His realization came shortly after, when he responded, “that was, that was the governor?”

Despite experiencing the stress of choking, Moreno demonstrated resilience by expressing determination to compete again next year. “I will be there for my redemption, 100%,” he said, showcasing his unwavering spirit.

Governor Sununu took a moment to reflect on the incident, expressing gratitude to the first responders who arrived to provide assistance. “Here in New Hampshire we never hesitate to jump in to help,” he remarked. “I’m just glad I paid attention in my high school health class.” His words highlighted the importance of readiness and swift action in emergencies.

Sununu, who has been in office since 2017, is recognized as a prominent figure in the Republican Party. There has been speculation about his potential candidacy for the presidency in 2024, though he recently decided not to pursue that option, citing concerns over a crowded field of candidates.

This incident during the eating contest not only spotlighted Sununu’s quick thinking and responsiveness but also created a memorable story for Moreno. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of public events and the courage it takes to intervene in critical moments.

In summary, both the governor and the contestant emerged from the incident with a unique story to tell, one that blends humor with the seriousness of a health scare, all while maintaining the spirited nature of competitive eating.