Lang
3/30/24
A Johnson County man has been posthumously recognized for his heroism after he saved an eight-year-old from drowning in the Iowa River near Lone Tree.
The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission has given one of 17 Carnegie Medals for Heroism awarded this year to Wegayewu Faris of Coralville. The award goes to those recognized by the commission who have put themselves at extraordinary risk to save another.
Faris was 42 years old in August of 2022 when he jumped into the Iowa River at the River Junction Access on River Junction Rd SE to save an eight-year-old who had fallen into the water. He was able to put the boy on his back and keep him above the water long enough for a kayaker to take him to safety and begin chest compressions. The boy was eventually transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where he made a full recovery.
The kayaker went back to find Faris, but was unsuccessful. Firefighters located Faris’ body about an hour later.
Faris was a custodian at City High School. City High principal John Bacon would later praise Faris as “a kind, amazing person” and “a true hero” who committed a “selfless act of bravery.”
Each of the 17 Carnegie Medal for Heroism recipients or their survivors will receive a financial grant.