A 10-year-old boy rescued a friend from a ski lift and won a medal.

Metzger noticed the danger, grabbed his friend with both hands, and tried to prevent him from going over the edge of the seat. He continued holding on to him for about four minutes, until the ski patrol team arrived at the scene.

By the time the rescuers arrived, his friend had already slid out of the seat and was left hanging about 16 feet above the ground. Metzger leaned forward and continued holding on to him, even though he himself was at risk of falling.

The ski patrol members quickly placed a mattress beneath the lift and instructed Metzger to release his grip. His friend fell onto the mattress, bounced off it, and suffered only a minor head injury. He was not seriously hurt.

Afterward, Metzger and the two other children who had been sitting in the lift continued on their way to the upper station and safely disembarked. Metzger told the rescuers that he had been shaken and that his arms hurt, but he did not require medical treatment.

The medal was presented to Metzger at a ceremony held on September 16, in the presence of Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger. The Carnegie Medal is considered the highest civilian honor for acts of heroism in the United States and Canada, and is awarded to people who significantly risked their lives or health to save others.

Spanberger praised the boy and said that his bravery represents the best of Virginia. According to her, Metzger made a brave and selfless decision when he chose to put himself at risk to save his friend.

The ceremony was also attended by Virginia's secretary of education, the Virginia Beach superintendent of schools, and the mayor. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, founded in 1904, has awarded more than 10,000 medals to date. Recipients may also be eligible for grants, scholarships, and ongoing financial assistance.