Smithtown West Grad Honored for Saving Teen from Drowning

A Smithtown West graduate was honored by Suffolk County legislature for becoming a community hero when he saved the life of a teenage girl. 

Ryan Mathie, 20, was presented with a proclamation by Legis. John Kennedy, Jr.  on July 30 at a meeting of the legislature for his outstanding commitment to life and community. 

Ryan is an exemplary young man, who I applaud for his selfless efforts he has put forth in every aspect of life. He is a role model for all of our community and has set standards quite high for our young people to emulate," Kennedy said. 

Mathie, an off-duty lifeguard,  was at Robert Moses beach when 17-year-old Bria Key was playing in waters off Bay Shore on May 31 in an area not open to swimming when she got into trouble, Newsday reported.

Mathie teamed up with another individual to pull Key, who was unconscious, out of the water. 

Mathie is now studying biomedical engineering at Worcestor Polytechnic Institute. He was also honored for serving with the Red Cross Foundation, helping Oklahoma residents who lost their homes to the tornado in May 2013.