Seven Devils official

collapses at retreat
By Frank Ruggiero
ruggiero@wataugademocrat.com

An intergovernmental retreat was cut short Monday night, when Seven Devils mayor pro tem Richard DeMott collapsed in his seat.

Officials and staff members from Watauga County, Boone, Blowing Rock, Seven Devils and Appalachian State University had finished a discussion on emergency services, when DeMott began to slump backwards.

Fortunately, among those present were emergency personnel from Boone and Blowing Rock.

While Boone town manager Greg Young supported DeMott and called for assistance, Boone Fire chief Reggie Hassler hurried over and helped the mayor pro tem from his seat to the floor and began administering first aid.

Blowing Rock emergency services director and firefighter Kent Graham aided Hassler, while Blowing Rock Police chief Eric Brown called for further assistance.

Blowing Rock rescue workers arrived within moments, and sources on the scene reported that DeMott had regained consciousness and was speaking coherently after rescue had arrived.

DeMott was taken to Watauga Medical Center, where he remained in stable condition, as of press time, Tuesday.