Picton’s James D.A. Badgley (top left) has been honoured posthumously with a Carnegie Medal. Badgley is one of 17 individuals recently honoured and the only Canadian in the latest round of awards. /Carnegie Hero Fund Commission Facebook photo
A Picton man who died trying to save his then 11-year-old nephew who had slipped on a rock and fell in the rough waters in Lake Ontario has been honoured posthumously with a Carnegie Medal.
Last Aug. 4, 2024, 35-year-old James David Allen (D.A.) Badgley – a pipe labourer and father of two boys – drowned in the waters near Point Petre.
The news of his passing reverberated throughout the community and Quinte region, prompting an outpouring of support and fundraising. Now, Badgley – who has already been recognized municipally and nationally here in Canada – is being honoured through the Carnegie Hero Fund.
The Carnegie Medal for Heroism is described online as North America’s “highest honour for civilian heroism.”
According to the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, it has a two-fold mission: to recognize and support those who perform acts of heroism in civilian life in the United States and Canada.
As part of the latest round of individuals honoured and recently announced, Badgley is among 17 individuals, and the only Canadian on the list.
The commission states online that all the men and women recognized risked serious injury or death – or were killed – saving or attempting to save others “in acts of extraordinary heroism.”
“The Carnegie Medal is given throughout the U.S. and Canada to those who enter extreme danger while saving or attempting to save the lives of others,” states the commission.
This latest round marks the Hero Fund’s fourth and final award announcement for 2025.
Online, the commission details the 17 individuals’ rescue stories – the reasons for the awards.
“While playing in the water 20 feet from a Lake Ontario beach in Picton, Ont., on Aug. 4, 2024, 11-year-old Colton B.J. Valleau slipped on a rock and fell into the water,” writes the commission. “He was submerged by a wave and then was pulled farther from shore.”
Badgley was reportedly on the nearby beach with other family members “when he saw Colton struggling in the water.”
“Colton’s mother was also on the beach and entered the water along with members of their party.”
Despite knowing the lake could have rough conditions and he wasn’t a strong swimmer, “Badgley entered the water and dived into the waves in an area where the lake bottom was rocky.”
“He temporarily resurfaced where he stood and appeared disoriented before he submerged again. He did not resurface.”
Colton’s mom reportedly managed to swim out to her son, put him on her back and towed him towards the shore – they were pushed to the shore by the current and waves before eventually reaching shallow water, and a friend helped them back to the beach. Colton was described as shaken but uninjured.
“A search was initiated for Badgley, but the lake’s rough conditions and growing darkness impeded the efforts,” wrote the commission. “His body resurfaced and was pushed to shore about six hours later.
“Badgley had drowned and sustained facial injuries, which are believed to have been caused by striking rocks at the bottom of the lake.”
His obituary described him as “larger than life,” saying he’ll be sadly missed by his family and many friends.
Last November, Prince Edward County also honoured Badgley with Mayor Steve Ferguson presenting a civic recognition certificate to the Badgley family, recognizing his attempt to rescue his nephew from drowning.
“James was someone who was always willing to put his life at risk to help others,” said officials at that time, adding that he was also earlier presented with a Governor General’s medal for bravery for saving someone from a burning building in 2015.
“County council wishes to recognize James’ unwavering courage and final act of valour,” said officials. “James’ actions exemplify the profound impact one individual can have, and his heroism and compassion won’t be forgotten.”
According to the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, with this latest announcement, the Carnegie Medal has now been awarded to more than 10,540 individuals since the inception of the Pittsburgh-based fund in 1904 by steelmaker Andrew Carnegie after the Harwick Mine disaster.
The commission also states that all recipients or their survivors receive a financial grant, and after 121 years, more than $45 million has been dished out through one-time grants, scholarship aid, death benefits and continuing assistance.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
