Philly Teen Who Saved Nephew From Fire Earns Carnegie Hero Medal

PHILADELPHIA – A young man from Philadelphia is being lauded as a hero for saving his toddler nephew from a fire back in May 2017.

Brent Rudy Edwards, 17, was recently named a Carnegie hero for his efforts to save his nephew.

Edwards rescued his toddler nephew, Bryce Noel, from a burning home May 27, 2017.

After fire broke out in a row house, the adults inside evacuated four young children from the home.

His mother roused Edwards from sleep, and he followed his family outside, where his mother realized that Noel, just 23 months old, was still in the home.

Despite thick, black smoke, Edwards went back into the house to find his nephew.

Hearing the Noel cough, Edwards crawled inside the house 12 feet to him, grabbed him, and ran toward the door.

Once outside, he handed Noel to his mother and collapsed, losing consciousness.

Arriving paramedics revived him, and he and Noel were taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. They recovered. Noel was not burned.

Edwards is one of 18 people to earn the honor this year. Each honoree will get a medal that includes details of their acts on the back.

In addition to the medals, each honoree was awarded $5,000.

The Carnegie Medal is given throughout the U.S. and Canada to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others.

Image via Carnegie Hero Fund Commission