CHATSWORTH, Ga. — Gov. Brian Kemp honored a Georgia college student this week who died in an accident at an equestrian event in North Georgia for her bravery.
Breanna Chadwick, 20, died at the horse-riding event in Chatsworth on July 7 after an out-of-control horse plowed into a gate where spectators were standing.
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On Monday, Chadwick’s parents, sister and friend met with Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp, who honored Chadwick with a commendation recognizing her selfless acts that day.
According to the Cherokee Tribune, Chadwick was one of the people at the gate and helped people to safety before succumbing to her own injuries.
“Ms. Chadwick risked her own life to assist others and ensure their safety, and ultimately her decisive actions successfully saved multiple lives,” Kemp wrote in the commendation.
The commendation also acknowledged that Chadwick was an organ donor and saved even more lives before she died.
“Ms. Chadwick made a sacrifice that will not be forgotten as her family and community continue to remember her, and it is an honor to recognize her for her act of bravery and the beautiful life that she lived,” Kemp wrote.
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Chadwick was studying to be a third-grade teacher at Reinhardt University.
Her father, Heath Chadwick, told the Cherokee Tribune that Marty Kemp is an ex school teacher and was moved by the story.
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“You could tell it was sincere and not a ‘I’m doing this because I should’ situation,” he told the newspaper. " There were tears shed...I thought this was pretty special.”
The family has set up a foundation to honor Breanna Chadwick and continue her legacy through charitable events and giving.
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