Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: February 28, 2000
• Invested on: December 08, 2000

On July 15, 1999, 14-year-old Willie Stone lost his life while attempting to save a seven-year-old boy from drowning in the Kok river, at Umiujaq, near Hudson Bay, Quebec. The boys were swimming at high tide with a group of friends when the younger child ventured into deeper water and found himself in difficulty. Seeing his friend's predicament, Willie immediately swam to his side. With no rescue equipment available, Willie struggled to keep the child afloat but the panicked boy repeatedly pulled him under. Weakened by exhaustion, Willie was unable to keep a grip on his friend, and both boys disappeared below the surface. The boys' bodies were located soon after but efforts to revive the children were unsuccessful.