Star of Courage

• Awarded on: June 14, 2000
• Invested on: February 02, 2001

On February 6, 1999, 34-year-old Dean Plummer lost his life while trying to rescue a friend from drowning near his family's cottage at Sauble Beach, Bruce County, Ontario. Mr. Plummer had been walking with two friends and their small boy along the shore of Lake Huron. When the child was taken inside the cottage by his father to warm up, Mr. Plummer and the woman continued taking photographs on the ice ridges. A large wave washed over the slippery shore and dragged the woman under the slush-covered surface. Although fully aware, as an experienced scuba diver, of the extremely rapid effects of hypothermia, Mr. Plummer quickly removed his heavy boots and mitts and, with complete disregard for his own safety, jumped into the rough waters. Despite his most valiant efforts, Mr. Plummer was unable to locate his friend. Undeterred, he continued his search until he was overcome by exhaustion and hypothermia, and he too disappeared under the ice floes. Both bodies were recovered later.