River Berry honored for heroic cliffside rescue

During a recent government meeting, a special presentation was made to honor River Berry, a local hero recognized by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission for her extraordinary act of bravery. The commission, established by industrialist Andrew Carnegie in response to a tragic mining disaster in 1904, aims to acknowledge individuals who risk their lives to save others.

The meeting highlighted the commission's history, which has awarded over $40 million to more than 10,000 recipients since its inception. The Carnegie Medal is given to those who demonstrate exceptional heroism, with each award accompanied by a medal inscribed with the biblical quote, \"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.\"

River Berry's heroic act occurred on November 26, 2022, during a BASE jumping festival in Moab, Utah. When a 39-year-old man fell from a 400-foot cliff after his parachute malfunctioned, Berry, a mental health therapist and experienced rock climber, quickly assessed the situation. She utilized her climbing gear to ascend the cliff and successfully rescued the man, who suffered a severe leg injury but is expected to recover.

The meeting underscored the importance of recognizing such acts of heroism, emphasizing that these individuals exemplify the highest ideals of humanity. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission remains committed to honoring and supporting heroes like Berry, ensuring that their stories are told and their sacrifices acknowledged.