A UF student who died while trying to save a friend’s life was recently recognized with a Carnegie Medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.
On Feb. 12, 2011, 18-year-old Michael Pirie was exploring Ellison’s Cave in Georgia with fellow UF student Grant Lockenbach, 20, before a backpack filled with rope and personal items fell 125 feet.
Lockenbach lowered himself down to retrieve it. Soon after, Lockenbach shouted for help. Pirie harnessed himself down while others went to call 911. Eventually, friends stopped hearing Pirie and Lochenbach’s voices, and both died of hypothermia.
Pirie joins 35 people to receive Carnegie Medals this year. The bronze medallions are “awarded to civilians who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree saving or attempting to save the lives of others,” according to its website. Those recognized, or survivors close to them, are given a financial grant.
“We continue to be honored and proud of Michael’s life, accomplishments and most of all for his compassion and selflessness in helping a friend in need,” Brent Pirie, Michael’s father, wrote on Facebook.
UF spokesman Steve Orlando said to the university’s knowledge, no one from UF has ever received the award.
“Michael clearly was an exceptional young man, and his family must be very proud of what he did,” he said. “And we’re proud of what he did. He exemplifies everything of what it means to be a Gator.”
Contact Alexa Volland at avolland@alligator.org.
