Arlington Heights woman who drowned while saving boy honored

PITTSBURGH (WLS) -- An Arlington Heights woman was honored for her actions after she drowned while saving the life of a boy.

The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission honored Karen Wessel with its medal for heroism on Wednesday.

In July 2014, Wessel saved a boy who was having trouble swimming in Wisconsin. Others nearby tried to save Wessel, but were unable to.

The Carnegie Medals honor people in the United States and Canada for acts of extraordinary civilian heroism.