Daniel F. Heede died helping to save Kristin L. Mason and Steven E. Granby from drowning, Panama City Beach, Florida, May 2, 2002. Swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, Ms. Mason, 19, was unable to return to shore against rough water conditions, and Granby, 24, likewise became stranded when he attempted to help her. On the beach nearby, Heede, 52, postal service clerk, was alerted to the situation. Removing his shoes and shirt, he entered the water and swam to the couple. Another man also entered the water from the beach and swam out; he grasped Granby and started to take him to shore while Heede supported Ms. Mason. Ms. Mason then joined Granby and the other man, who took her to wadable water before returning for Granby and taking him in. Heede was seen floating in the water. Nearly exhausted, the other man swam out to him and, with the help of a deputy sheriff, took him to shore. Heede could not be revived; he had drowned.
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