Greg Moyer’s Legacy: AED Law Saves Lives After Tragic Loss

In a significant step toward ensuring student safety, Greg Moyer’s tragic story has led to a change that could save countless lives. This young athlete’s legacy is now enshrined in law, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Greg Moyer was a 15-year-old sophomore when he tragically passed away due to sudden cardiac arrest during a basketball game at East Stroudsburg High School North. The absence of an automated external defibrillator (AED) at the scene meant that by the time emergency services arrived, it was too late to save him.

Described as a “gentle giant” with a passion for sports and community service, Greg’s untimely death was caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic disorder and a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest among young athletes.

Following this tragedy, emergency room staff informed the Moyer family that an AED could have potentially saved Greg’s life. This revelation led the family to establish the Gregory W. Moyer Defibrillator Fund to ensure schools have these life-saving devices.

Greg’s death in 2000 has inspired legislation known as Greg Moyer’s Law, formally Act 17 of 2026, signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro. It mandates AEDs at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events.

Sarah Hofius Hall

WVIA News

Rachel Moyer, whose son Gregory died in 2000 from a sudden cardiac arrest, has worked since then to spread awareness and put AED machines in schools.

“Twenty-five years, five months and 11 days until this law was passed,” stated Rachel Moyer during an event at Notre Dame High School in East Stroudsburg. “We want to have AEDs in the schools, so kids will feel safe and they’ll feel protected. We don’t want anything like this to happen to anyone, but especially a kid.”

Better chances of survival

The American Heart Association reports that annually, 23,000 children under 18 suffer cardiac arrest outside hospitals in the U.S., with 40% of these incidents being sports-related. If an AED is employed, the survival rate jumps to about 70%, which is significantly higher than the overall 10% survival rate.

Rachel Moyer collaborated with Dr. Victoria L. Vetter from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to increase AED awareness. Dr. Vetter estimates that between half and two-thirds of Pennsylvania schools have AEDs.

Steel Martell, a high school junior, owes his life to an AED. During a kickball game four years ago, he collapsed due to cardiomyopathy. Thanks to the presence and use of an AED by school staff, Steel survived and continues to thrive.

State Sen. Rosemary Brown worked with the Moyer family for more than a decade to advance AED legislation.

Saved at school

Kyle Martell, Steel’s father, expressed gratitude for the legislation, stating, “It’s certainly going to give kids a second chance at life, much like our son.” He highlighted how the Moyer family’s efforts have contributed to this lifesaving law.

East Stroudsburg, where Greg’s incident occurred, now boasts 68 AEDs throughout its district, thanks to the continued push for safety by the Moyers and the district’s former superintendent, Kenneth Koberlein, who is also Steel’s grandfather.

‘Beat goes on’

Greg Moyer’s Law not only mandates AED presence but also requires staff training and emergency action plan rehearsals. AEDs, typically costing between $1,500 and $2,000, can be purchased at state contract prices, with grants available for schools.

AED machines sit on the gymnasium floor at Notre Dame High School in East Stroudsburg.

Chris Rossi, director of athletic training in the East Stroudsburg Area School District, praised the Moyers for their dedication to child safety. “There is still work to be done, and as they always have, the Moyers will be leading the way,” he commented. “You’ve changed Pennsylvania. Now let’s go change the country. Greg’s beat goes on.”