FRESNO COUNTY, California – Three years after the death of Manjit Singh after rescuing girls from the water from the banks of the Kings River, he has been recognized with the carnegie medal that honors the sacrifice of civilians to help and/or save the lives of others.
The 29-year-old farmer at the time was visiting Reedley Beach with several family and friends on Aug. 5, 2020 when they heard a woman call for help and saw the girls being swept down the river.
According to witnesses, Manjit removed and unwrapped the turban he was wearing and spread it away from him like a life buoy as he waded into the water.
A minor was rescued without complications, however, the other girl identified as Samantha Cruz managed to get out of the water but died a few days later.
After an oversight, the minor would have fallen into the turbulent waters of the Kings River.
Meanwhile, the good Samaritan was found downriver after emergency personnel searched for an hour, police said at the time.
The Carnegie Hero Fund honors 16 new civilians who risked their lives to save the lives of others, and the medal highlights their civic heroism.
Since 1904, the Fund has awarded 10,371 men and women and provided $44 million to its recipients in various forms of scholarships, loans or assistance.
