Leading Seaman Roxanne Anneke Lalonde, M.B. (posthumous)
Medal of Bravery
On April 21, 2007, Naval Reservist Leading Seaman Roxanne Lalonde lost her life when she attempted to rescue a 15-year-old boy from the fast-flowing waters of the Rideau River, in Merrickville, Ontario. Upon arriving at the base of a dam, Leading Seaman Lalonde was advised that the boy was probably caught in the falls under it. Without hesitation, she jumped in the icy waters to search for him, but was suddenly caught up by the strong undertow and pulled towards the middle of the river. Others on shore tried to throw a lifeline to her, but the strong current quickly carried her downstream. Sadly, neither the boy nor Leading Seaman Lalonde survived.