Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: June 20, 2002
• Invested on: June 13, 2003

David Matthew Elton, M.B. (posthumous)
Brodie Jon Thomas MacDonald, M.B. (posthumous)
Jordan Daniel Nixon, M.B.
Martin Poirier, M.B., C.D.
Medal of Bravery

During a school hiking trip, on March 25, 2000, Jordan Nixon and teacher Martin Poirier attempted to rescue David Elton and Brodie MacDonald, both 17 years old, who lost their lives trying to save a woman from drowning in the Pacific Ocean near Shelter Cove, California, U.S.A. A group of students was walking along the beach when one of their chaperones was struck by a wave and caught in the undertow. David and Brodie immediately dropped their backpacks and ran to her aid. They had the woman almost on her feet when a crashing wave knocked them down and swept them into deeper water. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Jordan Nixon and Martin Poirier rushed into the icy water to reach the trio but despite their best efforts, they too fell victim to the rough sea and were taken farther out by the powerful swell. While Jordan and Mr. Poirier were rescued by fishing boats after a 45-minute struggle with the fierce currents, sadly, David and Brodie, as well as the woman, disappeared under the surface and drowned.