How a marathon runner survived after tearing her body’s largest artery

The new partner at the US law firm where Zach Williams works heard him talking about what happened to his wife.

Amber Williams was 35 and seemed perfectly healthy when she felt excruciating chest pain. She had had an aortic dissection – something that is often discovered during an autopsy.

“That’s a weird way for you to tell me you’re a widower,” the partner said.

Zach replied, “Oh, no. My wife is very much alive.”

Runners at the start of the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, on April 30, 2023. Amber Williams completed the race three days before being taken to hospital. Photo: Instagram/okcmarathon

But when Zach had seen Amber at her office that day in early May 2023, three days after they had completed the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, her pallor terrified him.