Virginia Boy Receives Carnegie Medal for Chairlift Rescue
A 10-year-old was honored for holding a 6-year-old who slipped from a chairlift in Nellysford.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Pre-Teens
Major Metzger was awarded the Carnegie Medal on Sept. 16, 2026, for his actions during a Jan. 26, 2025, incident at a Nellysford ski resort. The young hero held a 6-year-old boy for four minutes after the child slipped from a chairlift.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights a rare act of bravery by a child, bringing national attention to the importance of quick thinking in emergency situations. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission honored Metzger for his choice to intervene despite the inherent danger of the height.
Major Metzger was 10 years old when he held a 6-year-old child dangling 16 feet above the ground. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission has awarded 10,597 medals since its founding in 1904.
The players
Major Metzger
He is the young Virginian who received a Carnegie Medal for his heroic efforts in saving a child from a fall.
Abigail Spanberger
She is the Governor of Virginia who formally presented the Carnegie Medal to Metzger during a ceremony.
Carnegie Hero Fund Commission
This Pittsburgh-based organization recognizes individuals who risk their lives to save others.
The details
Metzger held the boy's arms while leaning forward from the moving chair to prevent him from falling. Once ski patrol placed a safety mat beneath them, Metzger was instructed to release the child, who sustained only a minor bump on his head.
Timeline
Jan. 26, 2025: Major Metzger rescued a child from a chairlift in Nellysford.
March 24, 2026: The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission announced the medal recipients.
Sept. 16, 2026: Governor Abigail Spanberger presented the medal to Metzger.
Culture Shift
The recognition of a 10-year-old reflects a shift toward honoring youth intervention in emergency scenarios previously dominated by adult heroism. It challenges traditional age-based perceptions of who can be considered a public hero in local communities.
This story serves as a reminder for families to emphasize chairlift safety protocols when visiting local ski resorts. Residents may notice increased safety awareness and instructional signage following the high-profile nature of this rescue.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the impact of remaining calm and decisive during a critical emergency. Parents and children alike can learn from the importance of maintaining communication and situational awareness in high-altitude recreational settings.
Further reading
Read more about youth milestones and community stories in our Pre-Teens section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
