OWATONNA, Minn. — An act of heroism unfolded at the Owatonna Hy-Vee as employee Owen Thurnau saved a customer's life during the store's 50th anniversary celebration on July 16.

Thurnau, 19, quickly responded when he noticed an 83-year-old man choking on food amidst the festivities. Surveillance footage shows Thurnau performing the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging the food from the man's throat in under 15 seconds.

The man's daughter expressed deep gratitude, stating, "It is not an exaggeration to say that the employee saved my dad’s life."

Thurnau, the service manager at the store, has been a dedicated employee for over three years.

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