Bicyclist, school principal named First Friday Heroes for performing CPR on a motorist

Columbus, Ga. (November 5, 2026) — Piedmont Columbus Regional has named Christian Gibney, a former police officer who now works at a bicycle shop, and Hannan Elementary Magnet Academy Principal Dr. LaShonda Milledge-Miller the organization’s First Friday Heroes® for the month of November.

Gibney was riding his bicycle early one morning on the Fall Line Trace when a car traveling west on Warm Springs Road crossed over the Fall Line Trace and onto Talbotton Road. The driver, who was suffering from a heart attack, hit a parked car and came to a stop very close to the front entrance of Hannan Elementary Magnet Academy.

Gibney and Milledge-Miller, who is also a former police officer, rushed over to the crashed car and they teamed up to handle the situation. They noticed a man unresponsive behind the wheel. Gibney performed CPR on the driver, achieving return of heart rhythm but the driver’s breathing was sporadic. Columbus Fire and EMS transported the driver to Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown for treatment. Unfortunately, the driver passed away.

“Although the outcome wasn’t favorable, Gibney and Milledge-Miller gave the motorist the best possible chance of having a positive outcome thanks to their quick response and CPR knowledge,” said Piedmont Columbus Midtown trauma registrar Shalonda Wright.

A ceremony was held at Hannan Elementary Magnet Academy on November 5. to commend them for their response. Their story is also featured throughout the hospital on commemorative posters and Piedmont Columbus Regional’s social media pages.

Piedmont Columbus Regional created the First Friday Hero® program in 2016 to recognize first responders and everyday heroes each month who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Nominations are accepted year-round. If you know a deserving person who should be recognized, visit Piedmont.org/FirstFridayHero to submit a nomination.