Houston Boy Scout saves leader’s life in Georgia rapids, earns rare heroism honor

Devon was awarded the “Honor Medal with Crossed Palms,” the highest honor for heroism. Fewer than 300 scouts in history have received it.

HOUSTON — A summer rafting trip in the north Georgia mountains nearly turned deadly — until a teenage Boy Scout from Bellaire stepped in to save his scout leader’s life.

Two years ago, a Boy Scout troop from Houston was attending a summer camp near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Assistant Scoutmaster David Lemley of Troop 277 was rafting with a group of scouts, navigating Class III rapids—known for both excitement and danger.

During one stretch of rough water, Lemley was thrown from the raft but managed to climb back in.

Soon after, he was thrown out again — but this time, his foot became trapped beneath a seat in the raft while the rest of his body was pulled through the rushing river.

“My waist and head were underwater … my head’s just bouncing off rocks,” Lemley said.

He struggled to breathe, choking on water for several minutes as he fought to stay alive.

“I’m fighting to do whatever I can to keep breathing, but can’t get back in the boat to free my leg,” he said.

Back in the raft, 13-year-old Devon Champenoy sprang into action.

“I took like three deep breaths and then acted calmly and safely,” Devon said.

Using his scouting training, Devon was able to free Lemley’s trapped foot. Kayakers nearby later assisted, but Lemley says Devon’s actions made the difference.

“There’s no doubt in my mind — had Devon not stepped in to free my foot, I was going to die,” Lemley said.

Even after freeing him, the group still had about 20 minutes of rapids ahead. Devon helped guide everyone safely.

Lemley suffered a broken foot but survived.

Devon has since been awarded the Boy Scouts’ “Honor Medal with Crossed Palms,” their highest honor for heroism. Fewer than 300 scouts in history have received it.

“I didn’t feel it at the moment. It was just instinct,” Devon said. “It took a while for me to accept that I saved a life, but I think now I have.”

His mother now proudly displays the award at home.

“I immediately put it in the living room so everybody can see it when they come over, and this is where it’ll stay,” Nicole Champenoy said.

Now 15, Devon is working toward becoming an Eagle Scout and then becoming a chemical engineer, just like his mom.

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