ENGLEWOOD — Craig Wenner, who drowned in a vain attempt to save his wife on Christmas Day 2007, was honored Thursday, Oct. 2, with the Carnegie Medal for heroism.

Wenner and his wife, Patricia, both 50, drowned when they jumped into the Stillwater River at Englewood MetroPark to rescue the family's puppy. Craig Wenner leaped into the water after his wife, who was caught in the roiling water of a lowhead dam.

The couple's two teenage daughters watched from the bank as their parents were pulled by the strong current toward the culverts beneath the massive Englewood Dam.

Patricia Wenner's body was recovered Jan. 4 about 10 miles downstream of the dam. Craig Wenner's remains were pulled from the river in early April.

Craig Wenner was one of 25 named by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission for risking their lives to save another. Wenner and three others died in their attempts.

In addition to the medal, those honored or their next of kin receive a financial grant, according to the commission.

So far this year, 79 people have been so honored for their heroism.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2290 or dpage@DaytonDailyNews.com.