PITTSBURGH -- A Virginia man who died while trying to save a friend from drowning is among 26 people awarded Carnegie medals for their heroic acts.

The Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Hero Fund Commission awarded the medals on Wednesday to a diverse group of Americans and Canadians.

In May 2007, Kenneth W. Ringeisen of Virginia Beach, died while trying to save Donald M. Adams from drowning. The two men were fishing from Adams' boat in the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River when Adams fell into the water as he tried to retrieve his pole. Ringeisen dived into the water and tried to reach Adams but drifted with the current.

The 26 recipients, or their survivors, will receive $6,000 in addition to the medal.