HERO: A 17-year-old Canadian student heard screams coming from a burning tent, ignored warnings about possible propane tanks, and crawled inside to pull a man to safety.

Zeke Fox was driving near Bayfront Park in Hamilton, Ontario, in January 2025 when he spotted the smoke and heard cries for help.

He called his mother so she could alert emergency services. When she urged him to wait for firefighters, he hung up, saying the man would die without immediate help.

Fox dragged Shawn Goodwin from the tent as flames erupted around them.

The toxic smoke later caused him to develop viral encephalitis. He spent months recovering and had to relearn how to walk. He also struggled with PTSD, including flashbacks and hearing the victim’s screams in his sleep.

During their recoveries, Fox visited Goodwin multiple times in the hospital.

The experience confirmed his decision to pursue policing. He will study police foundations at Mohawk College this fall.

Fox has been awarded the Carnegie Medal for risking his life to save another.