An El Cajon man is being recognized internationally for a heroic act on the Colorado River that saved the lives of two young boys. Jeff Brady was posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal, honoring his sacrifice during a swift water rescue in the Colorado river last summer.
The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission recognizes individuals across the United States and Canada who risk death or serious injury to save others. Brady is among 18 people selected for this year’s honor.
Brady and his twin brother, Greg Brady, shared a lifelong bond rooted in family, business and a love for the lower Colorado River, which runs through Yuma. That connection was forever changed during a fishing trip on a sandbar with family members.
Two boys — the nephews of Jeff Brady’s girlfriend — were caught in swift-moving water. Jeff Brady immediately swam out to help them.
“By the time I got to Jeff he held both boys above water so that they could breath,” Greg Brady said.
Greg Brady said he helped bring the children to safety, but his brother disappeared beneath the water. His body was recovered about six hours later, roughly 30 yards from where he was last seen.
“I reach for my phone at least once or twice a day to call him or text him about something that’s going on in my life,” Brady said.
The Carnegie Medal, established in 1904 by Andrew Carnegie, is awarded to those who perform extraordinary acts of heroism. Brady’s nomination came from a previous recipient who saw news coverage of the rescue. The commission reviewed the sheriff’s investigation and witness statements before selecting him for the honor.
The award includes a cash grant and a medallion inscribed with the story of his bravery. Brady’s family learned of the recognition just last week, and his name was added to the organization’s website.
“He’s obviously very deserving of this medal that he is getting from the Carnegie Fund but obviously I would much rather have my brother here,” Brady said.
Greg Brady said he is using the grant to create opportunities for others, including a scholarship for high school students and the Jeff Brady Water Safety Initiative aimed at promoting safer conditions for those who enjoy the Colorado River.
“I try to live every day to do right in his eyes and just keep his legacy and his memory alive,” Brady said.
“When you hear about the identical twin bond that people have we definitely have that. It’s tough,” Brady said.
Since its founding more than a century ago, the Carnegie Hero Fund has provided $46 million in grants, scholarships, death benefits and ongoing assistance.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.