Senator Helming Presents Liberty Medal, Senate’s Highest Individual Honor, to Family of Draven Starr-Howell
October 30, 2020
Senator Pam Helming presented the family of Draven Starr-Howell with a Liberty Medal posthumously awarded to Draven for his selfless efforts to help rescue three women in Lake Ontario last July. Draven’s mother, Atarra Starr and father, Christopher Howell, accepted the medal.
The Liberty Medal is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate. It is awarded to individuals for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.
On July 2, 2020, Draven Starr-Howell of Palmyra was fishing when he noticed three people in distress off the west side of the Sodus Point pier. Draven jumped into Lake Ontario to help them, and was pulled under by the rough waters. He passed away from his injuries on July 3. Draven was just 20 years old.
“It is my honor to present to Draven’s family the New York State Senate Liberty Medal for his selfless and heroic actions,” said Senator Helming. “When Draven saw three people struggling in the water, he jumped in without hesitation to help. On July 2, 2020, Draven demonstrated his remarkable character and compassion for others. With this award, we honor his bravery and sacrifice.”
Click here to read Senator Helming’s Resolution adopted by the Senate designating Draven Starr-Howell as a recipient of the Liberty Medal.
