2 Sask. men who drowned going in after children who fell through ice receive heroism award

Family members describe two Saskatoon men who died last year trying to save children from drowning as selfless heroes. Now, they are being awarded one of North America's highest civilian honours for heroism.

Kristen Novecosky lost her husband Chris Novecosky, 38, her nephew Joe Novecosky, 28, and her seven-year-old niece Ava on Nov. 4, 2023 at Humboldt Lake, located about 115 kilometres east of Saskatoon.

Ava and her younger sister were playing near the lake that afternoon when they fell through thin ice. Chris and Joe plunged into the icy water and retrieved the two girls, but drowned. Ava was later pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Carnegie Medal is awarded to people from the United States and Canada who risk themselves to an extraordinary degree saving or attempting to save the lives of others. Chris and Joe are among the 18 recipients this year.

Both Kristen and Kate Novecosky, Joe's sister, wear lockets with the fingerprints of the deceased men.

Kristen also dons medallions that Chris was wearing at the time of the incident.

"He wore them everyday, so now I wear them every day," she said. "Chris's main love language to me and others is acts of service.… This just shows that it was the ultimate act of service."

She said Chris was a spontaneous person. They had spent a year working, living and surfing in Australia.

"Life's too short, you don't know how long you have on earth, and that is what we would tell people. Chris unfortunately proved that point," Kristen said.

"I think one thing I want people to take away from this is don't assume that you're guaranteed a long life, because you're not."

Kristen said Chris was her life partner.

"It's not just Chris that I'm grieving. It's my entire life, my normal, the future we had planned," she said, tearing up. "The grief is beyond just losing him. It's a whole life that we had built together."

Kristen said Chris was passionate about learning. She said she once mentioned an interest in drumming, so Chris bought her a set for Christmas. Now she hopes to learn to play in his honour.

"Chris was a huge, huge music fan and I've gone on a few trips since the accident to concerts of some of his favourite bands, and that has helped to just keep his spirit alive."