Denis L. Beall rescued Joseph M. and Mary S. Grafen from a runaway automobile, Scottsdale, Arizona, February 26, 1990. Grafen, 71, was driving his car when he slumped over onto his wife, 73, who was in the passenger seat. Mrs. Grafen grasped the steering wheel and guided the car as it continued to travel, but she was unable to stop it. Driving nearby, Beall, 33, stockbroker, assessed the situation; he parked his vehicle and ran after the Grafens’. Beall reached the driver’s door of the Grafens’ car and attempted to open it, but it was locked. Continuing to run alongside the runaway vehicle, Beall shouted for Mrs. Grafen to unlock the door, and she did. After opening the door, Beall partially entered the car and applied its brakes, then was thrown against the opened driver’s door when the car stopped. Beall took the car out of gear and turned off its ignition. Grafen was removed from the car and was taken to the hospital, but he could not be revived.
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