HERO WHO SAVED GIRL HONOURED
A GOLD Coast man’s final heroic act – one that saw him trade his life for a child’s – has been officially recognised for its bravery.
Burleigh Heads accountant Ryan Martin perished while rescuing a drowning child at Fingal Head on Good Friday 2016.
Mr Martin is one of several Queenslanders who today will have their courage recognised in the Australian Bravery Awards.
Enjoying the day off with his girlfriend Zoe Bell, Mr Martin raced into the water to save seven-year-old Rihanna Milabo, who had been playing in hip-deep water when a current pulled her out to sea.
The 30-year-old reached Rihanna and held her afloat while help came.
An exhausted Mr Martin was urged to swim back to shore by another swimmer, Luke Robinson, who is also being honoured today for his bravery. But he refused to leave the child and soon disappeared under the water.
Surf life savers arrived to find an unconscious Rihanna and Mr Robinson, who were taken back to shore and resuscitated. They rushed back to rescue Mr Martin but he could not be revived.
Josh Martin, who also lost his father 14 years ago in a rafting accident, described his brother as “one of a kind”.
“He did something for a stranger and put himself in harm’s way but it wasn’t out of his character,” he said.
“We are so grateful that Ryan’s been publicly recognised for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice to save a life, but we will continue to miss him every day.”
The Martins still keep in touch with the Milabo family, who remember Ryan as their “guardian angel”.
Carrara’s Cherylyn Richardson also receives a commendation for brave conduct in today’s awards for helping to evacuate a burning accommodation centre at Ashmore in 2015.
Braving 3m flames, she crawled down a passage to get the roll call book to make sure all residents got out.