Popular Marathon resident airlifted to Miami hospital

William “Bill” Beaver, 74, was airlifted via Trauma Star from Marathon to a Miami hospital Monday afternoon after collapsing in the parking lot on Sombrero Beach Road.

Deputies Daniel Valdes arrived to the 230 block of Sombrero Beach Road at 2:16 after being flagged down by a resident who saw Beaver fall and not get up. Valdes found that Beaver was not breathing, nor did Beaver have a pulse. Deputy Valdes began CPR. Deputy Valdes was soon joined by Deputy Frank Westerband. Both Deputies then used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to shock Beaver. Both Deputies continued chest compressions until Beaver began breathing again. Marathon Fire Rescue arrived shortly thereafter.

Beaver was then airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center in Miami. Beaver was in stable condition at the time of the flight. His condition Tuesday morning was not immediately available.

Beaver is well known to the Sheriff’s Office and many other Marathon residents as a homeless man who often goes out of his way to help others. Beaver is known for rarely or not accepting handouts as well as for once walking across the country to watch a football game.

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