Man who died while saving children from Colorado River gets posthumous medal

A San Diego man who died while saving his girlfriend’s nephews from a river in Arizona is now being honored with a posthumous medal for bravery.

Jeffery Edward Brady, 51, drowned after he jumped into the Colorado River to rescue the boys—aged 10 and 12—who had been swept away by the current, according to NBC San Diego.

In July 2025 Brady plunged into the water, holding the boys above the surface until a boat arrived and pulled them to safety.

Tragically, the 51-year-old was unable to escape the river himself and drowned.

Brady—who had recently moved to Arizona to care for his 84-year-old blind father—was posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, which honors civilians who risk their lives to save others.

An obituary described him as “a man known for his strength, warmth, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved.”

“Jeff’s final act was one of pure selflessness and courage — an embodiment of the man he was every day of his life. In the face of danger, Jeff didn’t hesitate.

“He gave his life so that others could live, becoming a true guardian angel in the process.”

A GoFundMe was started to help cover the funeral costs that Jeff’s twin brother, Greg, now faces, along with immediate living costs for their father and Jeff’s girlfriend, Elen.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters