Charlie Jack Franklin died attempting to assist in saving, David W. Woodard from drowning, Oak Hill, North Carolina, June 28, 1969. David, 13, was floating on a lake on an inflated raft when it collapsed 350 feet from shore. Unable to swim, he floundered in the deep water. A truckdriver swam to David, who struggled with the man and forced him under briefly. Fatigued, the truckdriver called for assistance. Franklin, 39, cafeteria manager, started to launch a boat but abandoned the craft when the truckdriver again called for aid with David. Although he wore a back brace, Franklin began swimming toward them. One hundred feet from shore Franklin stopped swimming, called for help, and then became inert, floating face down in deep water. A man swam to Franklin with an inflated inner tube which had been thrown to him. He supported Franklin on the tube; and the truckdriver towed David to them. Another man also arrived to give assistance; but when they all reached shore, Franklin could not be revived.
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