Major Metzger

Major Metzger saved Bryce Rader from falling, Nellysford, Virginia, January 26, 2025. At a ski resort, Bryce, 6, had difficulty loading onto a four-person bench seat on a chairlift and was sliding off the seat. Bryce was one of four children on the seat, including Major, 10, elementary school student, who was seated immediately beside him, and their sisters. As the lift ascended, Bryce, whose heavy gear included a helmet and skis, continued to struggle to sit safely and Major grasped onto him, attempting to pull him onto the seat. By the time workers were alerted to bring the lift to a complete stop, Bryce had fallen entirely off the seat, the bottom of which was about 16 feet above the rugged, sloped ground, and Major was leaning forward and down and holding Bryce’s arms with both of his gloved hands. Major, also wearing a helmet and skis, continued to hold onto Bryce until the ski patrol arrived with a safety mat, stood below the seat, and advised Major to let Bryce go. Bryce, who had dangled precariously for about four minutes during the incident, fell down to the pad, bounced off it, and suffered a small bump on his head. Medical staff evaluated Bryce, who did not require additional treatment and recovered. Major rode the chairlift to the top of the ski run, where he offloaded with the girls. His arms were sore and he was shaken, but he did not require medical treatment.

2025-0000066-10551