Orange County security guard springs into action to save 7-year-old student choking during lunch at Vails Gate STEAM Academy

Orange County, Florida – A quick-thinking security guard in Orange County is being hailed as a hero after saving a 7-year-old student who began choking in her school cafeteria. The incident, which took place last November at Vails Gate STEAM Academy, involved first-grader Liyah Ventura, who found herself in a frightening situation during lunch.

Tyreek Johnson, a school security guard, was nearby when Ventura started choking on a pretzel. Despite not being scheduled to monitor the cafeteria that day, Johnson noticed something was wrong while giving another guard a tour. Recognizing the universal choking sign, he immediately sprang into action.

“She made a noise and I kind of like knew at that moment, she can breathe again a little bit,” Johnson said, describing the moment he performed the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the food. Once Ventura was able to breathe, Johnson escorted her to the nurse’s office to ensure she was fully okay.

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Ventura’s parents, Raul and Maria, visited the school cafeteria last Friday to personally thank Johnson for his life-saving actions. “I was honestly grateful, we were grateful that he just went right into action…super grateful,” Raul Ventura said. The family described the incident as terrifying but said they were reassured by the quick response and calm demeanor of the guard.

Principal Gillian Matos praised Johnson for his dedication and readiness to act in emergency situations. “Our staff is ready to jump in whenever they need to, and the fact that he’s done it more than once, he’s skilled and they get the training that they need, he’s very caring and takes care of our students,” she said. The principal noted that Johnson’s efforts go beyond this single incident, highlighting his consistent commitment to student safety.

In fact, this was not the first time Johnson had come to the aid of a student in danger. Eyewitness News previously profiled him in 2023 after he saved a second-grade student, and again in 2024 when he performed the Heimlich on a fifth-grader. Each time, Johnson’s quick thinking and training made the difference between a minor scare and a potential tragedy.

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“Thank God I was there, you know, and I was just truly happy and amazed to be able to help her in that time of need,” Johnson said, reflecting on the moment he saved Ventura. For many students, staff, and parents at Vails Gate STEAM Academy, Johnson has become more than a security guard—he is seen as a guardian angel whose presence brings reassurance in moments of crisis.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of training, vigilance, and compassion in school safety. Johnson’s actions highlight how preparation and quick thinking can save lives, even in unexpected situations. For Liyah Ventura, Tyreek Johnson’s timely intervention turned a frightening moment into a story of hope and gratitude.

With his dedication and repeated heroics, Johnson exemplifies the critical role school staff play in keeping students safe and underscores the impact a caring adult can have in protecting children during emergencies.