Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: November 25, 2010
• Invested on: February 24, 2012

Chance William Gene Stewart, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On December 30, 2008, Chance Stewart risked his life to rescue his sister, who had fallen down a steep mountain slope into the frozen waters of Rice Lake, in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia. Mr. Stewart, his sister and a friend had stopped at a canyon along the Baden-Powell hiking trail when his sister lost her footing and tumbled down the canyon wall. She struck her head on a rock and then broke through the ice, into the frigid lake. She managed to hang on to a rock in the water while Mr. Stewart, fearing he could not safely negotiate the precipitous descent, telephoned for help. When he saw his sister suddenly lose her grip and get carried away by the current, he slid down the slope and entered the water. He successfully dragged his sister out onto shore and tried to keep her warm while their friend ran to a nearby house and called for an ambulance. It took over 90 minutes for rescuers to reach them and pull the victim up the embankment. She was then brought to a hospital where she was treated for her injuries.