A Ketchum man who lost his life last year saving a friend from drowning is being recognized after his death for his act of heroism.
Kevin Schuster, 29 years old at the time of his death, has been awarded the Carnegie Medal by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.His survivors will receive $2,500 in recognition of his heroism.
"Recognition is reserved for those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others," the commission said.
Schuster was fishing with friends along a swift-flowing section of the Snake River near Melba on Aug. 4, 1991, when 40-year-old Larry Croft slipped and fell into the water.
Schuster swam out and helped Croft toward the bank, but while Croft was being pulled ashore, Schuster was swept downstream in the strong current.
Croft recovered from exhaustion and minor injuries. Schuster's body was found three days later.
A native of Spokane, Wash., Schuster had been living and working in the Ketchum area for eight months before his death.
He is survived by his daughter, Ryan Nicole, of Louisville, Ky., and his parents, Lee and Lynn Little Schuster, of Spokane.