Matthew R. Scribner saved Kurt E. Deisinger from drowning, Palmyra, New York, April 23, 2011. Deisinger, 26, and his brother were kayaking on Ganargua Creek near the base of a low-head dam. Water from the nearby Erie Canal spilled over the dam into the creek, forming a boil at the base of the dam. When Deisinger’s kayak rolled, throwing him into the boil, his brother paddled toward him, but he too fell into the turbulent water and with Deisinger became caught there momentarily. They were then pushed downstream, conscious but immobilized, and they shouted for help. Scribner, 24, and three friends were on a bank of the creek about 150 feet away and witnessed the accident. Removing his shirt and shoes, Scribner jumped feet first into the creek, which was high and running fast from spring runoff, and was stunned by the coldness of the water. He swam to Deisinger, reaching him at the outer edge of the boil, and towed him to the north bank. Deisinger’s brother, meanwhile, floated with the current toward the north bank, and when he was within reach, Scribner and the others pulled him from the creek. Deisinger and his brother were both hospitalized for treatment of hypothermia, and they recovered. Scribner also needed hospital treatment for hypothermia, and he too recovered.
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Obituary
Scribner, Matthew R. died suddenly on July 23, 2024 as the result of a motor vehicle accident. A celebration of life will be arranged by the family. Matt was born on July 27, 1986 in Newark, New York. He was known to have a good heart. Matthews was the recipient of the Carnegie Hero Fund Award for his heroic efforts in saving two men from drowning in April of 2011. Matt was predeceased by his paternal grandparents David and Julie Scribner and maternal grandparents Ray and Laverna Leno. He is survived by his father Matthew D. (Dianne) Scribner; mother Deborah Draves and siblings David M. Scribner, Vance Vanderwall, Danielle Breemes, Dylan Formanec, Abbey and Shelby Draves and good friend Dr. Marty.