The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission announced this week that professional slackliner Mickey Wilson of Golden, CO will receive a prestigious Carnegie Medal. The Carnegie Medal is awarded to civilians who put their lives in danger in attempt to save another. Mickey more than earned this award for his heroic rescue at Arapahoe Basin in 2017.
Who could forget the epic tale of Mickey’s great save?! While skiing on a powder day at A-Basin, he noticed a man dangling unconscious from a stopped chairlift. Mickey, in his ski boots and with a broken hand, quickly climbed up a chairlift pole and used his slacklining skills to traverse the lift rope. He caught a knife from ski patrol and cut the man (who coincidentally was his friend) free. Ski patrol resuscitated him, and he was able to leave the hospital the following day. If it wasn’t for Mickey’s quick action, this story may have had a much darker ending.
Congratulations to Mickey for being a true role model of bravery! You can check out the initial news coverage of the life-changing moment in 2017 below:
Photos and Video Courtesy of CBS Colorado