Industry News
One boy’s quick thinking saved the life of a friend. And now, he’s being recognized for his heroics.
At a September 16 ceremony, 10-year-old Virginia Beach native Major Metzger was awarded the Carnegie Medal for saving his friend from falling off a chairlift at Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort. Presented by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, the Carnegie Medal is the highest honor for civilian heroism and is awarded to a citizen of the United States or Canada if they have risked death or serious injury to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others.
The incident occurred on January 26, 2025. According to CBS News 19, Metzger’s friend, Bryce Rader, struggled to load a four-seater chairlift at Wintergreen. Weighed down by his skis and helmet, Rader began sliding forward in his seat. Metzger, thinking fast, grabbed hold of him to keep him from going over the edge.
For the next four minutes, Metzger held on. By the time ski patrol reached the lift, Rader had slipped from the seat entirely and was dangling 16 feet above the ground, with Metzger leaning forward, gripping him with both hands.
Ski patrol worked quickly to place a mat on the ground below, then told Metzger to let go. Rader dropped onto the pad and bounced off, escaping with only a minor bump to the head; no serious injuries. Metzger and the other two children on the lift then rode safely to the top and exited. He told responders afterward that he was shaken and his arms were sore, but he didn’t need medical treatment.
At the September ceremony, Metzger was hailed for his actions on the chairlift.
“Major Metzger’s bravery represents the very best of Virginia, and he demonstrated it at the young age of only 10 years old,” Spanberger said. “Our entire Commonwealth thanks you for fearlessly risking your life to save your friend. I know how incredibly proud your parents and family are of you for your actions last January, and on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, I am honored to present you with the Carnegie Medal.”
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Virginia Secretary of Education Dr. Jeffery Smith, Virginia Beach Schools Superintendent Dr. Don Robertson, Jr., and Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer also attended the ceremony.
“Major showed remarkable courage in helping his friend who was in danger, but more than that, despite his young age, he made the conscious and selfless decision to accept the consequences of applying the same danger to himself through action, and we are proud to recognize him with the Carnegie Medal,” Carnegie Hero Fund Commission President Eric P. Zahren said. “We’re grateful to Governor Spanberger for helping us honor Major and for making this such a meaningful occasion for him, his family, and his school community.”
Founded in 1904 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission has presented more than 10,000 medals. Alongside their recognition, Carnegie Medal recipients are also eligible for financial support, including one-time grants, scholarship aid, death benefits, and continuing assistance.
Metzger’s heroic actions on the chairlift displayed quick thinking and great bravery. His Carnegie Medal was certainly well-earned, and it was thanks to Metzger and his actions that his friend walked away injury-free.
