My pick for Newsmaker of the Year is unequivocally, irrevocably, undisputedly five-year-old Lexi Shymanski, who saved the lives of her mother and baby brother after their SUV crashed down a 40-foot embankment on June 8.
Mom Angela Shymanski and her two children were returning to Prince George after an Alberta vacation when she grew weary.
There were no pullouts along that stretch of the highway and she promised herself she would rest in Jasper but despite her best efforts she fell asleep.
Her SUV went off the road and down the embankment.
Lexi, 5, woke to the cries of her then 10-week-old brother Peter and after trying to rouse her unconscious mother, she got out of her five-point harness car seat and scrambled barefoot up the embankment to wave down passersby.
Angela, with a broken back and internal injuries, had to be resuscitated twice on the way to hospital.
Peter had swelling on his brain.
Lexi has been acknowledged as a hero for her efforts, receiving international attention.
The family was invited to appear on Dr. Oz's show, Inside Edition covered the event when Lexi got a medal for bravery from the Governor General and flew the family to Los Angeles where they spent some time at Disneyland.
Lexi received certificates of achievement from Premier Christy Clark, MLA Shirley Bond and the City of Prince George for her heroism. Hell Yeah Prince George has declared the family Hell Yeah Heroes and raised more than $2,000 in their honour for the local pediatric unit.
To show appreciation to pediatric departments – because that's who helped Peter – Lexi held a toy drive in his honour in July for the local pediatric unit. For her efforts she got a truckload of toys and $250 in cash for donation.
