Christian E. Mortensen died attempting to save Karen L. Remke from drowning, Zion, Illinois, July 6, 1994. Ms. Remke, 24, was swept into Lake Michigan by breach waters of the Dead River. Her friend, Mortensen, 26, carpenter’s apprentice, immediately entered the lake for her but became caught by the very strong currents near the mouth of the river. He struggled and called for help. Two other men entered the lake for him, but their rescue attempts were unsuccessful; one of the men was able to leave the lake, but the other became caught in the current and was also swept farther out. Ms. Remke and the second man were removed from the lake by rescue personnel and were taken to the hospital. Mortensen was recovered from the lake the next day. He had drowned.
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