A resident of Norfolk County in Southwestern Ontario receives Canada’s Star of Courage posthumously for rushing into a blazing Toronto home to save trapped individuals, including a seven-year-old boy.
The Fatal Fire in Toronto’s East End
On January 29, 2021, an early morning blaze erupted at a house on Gainsborough Road near Gerrard Street East and Coxwell Avenue. Matthew Zdybal, 31, happened to be staying overnight in the basement with a friend. Both escaped initially, but screams from inside prompted Zdybal to re-enter the burning structure.
He attempted to rescue a seven-year-old boy, the child’s grandmother, and a friend of the homeowner. Tragically, Zdybal, the boy, the grandmother, and the homeowner’s friend perished in the fire.
A joint investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Toronto police determined the fire stemmed from an electrical failure. The home lacked functioning smoke alarms.
Posthumous Honor from Governor General
Governor General Mary Simon presented the Star of Courage to Zdybal posthumously. His mother, Nina Zdybal, accepted the award on Thursday at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
“It was an honour. I’m so proud of what he did,” Nina Zdybal said. “I wish he had survived it but I’m just very proud that we raised him right.”
Family Remembers a Hero
Zdybal’s family describes him as thoughtful, fun-loving, and always ready to help others. They learned of the nomination through a relative who spotted an article about his bravery.
His father, John Zdybal, reflected, “To hear a screaming child and him not doing anything, it would have hurt him in the future I believe, no matter what. I saw Matthew enjoy life. I just wish it wasn’t cut short.”
Brother Craig Zdybal noted, “It’s very touching to know even though he’s not here he’s being remembered for his last acts and his last moments.”
Older brother Eric Zdybal added, “He wasn’t only a brother to me and Craig, he was a brother to many. To be able to have the recognition for what he’s done and the sacrifice he’s made means a lot to our family.”
Eric continued, “To this date we still don’t know who nominated him. It’s something we’ll maybe never know but the fact is he was nominated for the courage he had and for what he did.”
Nina Zdybal views the award as a step forward, highlighting her son’s heroism amid their ongoing grief.
