Southwestern Ontario man posthumously awarded Star of Courage for entering burning home in Toronto to rescue others

More than five years after a Toronto man lost his life trying to save others from a house fire, he was honoured by the Governor General.

A man from Southwestern Ontario who died in a burning home in Toronto’s east end trying to save a seven-year-old boy and others has been recognized with one of Canada’s highest honours.

On Monday, Governor General of Canada Mary Simon awarded Matthew Zdybal the Star of Courage posthumously for his bravery.

“It was an honour. I’m so proud of what he did,” his mother Nina told CTV News Toronto after accepting the award on Thursday at Ottawa’s Rideau Hall.

“I wish he had survived it but I’m just very proud that we raised him right.”

More than five years ago, on Jan. 29, 2021, an early morning fire broke out at a house on Gainsborough Rd., near Gerrard Street East and Coxwell Avenue, in Toronto.

That night, Zdybal was visiting a friend who lived in the basement and had stayed there overnight by chance.

They both made it out safely but hearing screams the 31-year-old man from Norfolk County went back in to rescue others still trapped, including a seven-year-old boy.

Zdybal, along with the boy, his grandmother, and a friend of the homeowner, didn’t make it out alive.

“To hear a screaming a child and him not doing anything, it would have hurt him in the future I believe, no matter what,” his father John said.

“I saw Matthew enjoy life. I just wish it wasn’t cut short.”

A joint investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Toronto police found the fire was caused by an electrical failure. The home was also found to have no working smoke alarms.

Zdybal’s family misses him terribly. They describe their loved one as thoughtful, fun, and always willing to help.

His family says they weren’t even aware he’d been nominated until another relative came across an article.

Months later, they’re incredibly proud to see him honoured.

“It’s very touching to know even though he’s not here he’s being remembered for his last acts and his last moments,” said Zdybal’s brother Craig.

Older brother Eric said his sibling “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 said.

“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 Zydbal doesn’t know if there will ever be closure but said her son’s Star of Courage is a small step journey moving forward -- shining a light on the hero he was.