Donald L. Reed saved Kristine S. Wildung and Jaclyn Stanke from drowning, Pullman, Washington, April 15, 1989. Mrs. Wildung and Miss Stanke, both 23, were in a boat that capsized, then sank, at about mid-point in the Snake River. They swam toward the bank, tiring in the frigid water, and called for help. Reed, 51, painter, who was driving nearby, saw them and stopped at the scene. He put on a life jacket, ran to the edge of the river, and swam out to Mrs. Wildung, who was closer. He helped her swim to the bank, then re-entered the river and swam to Miss Stanke, who, about 345 feet out, was experiencing the effects of hypothermia, which precluded her making further progress toward shore. Reed grasped her and swam back to the bank, Miss Stanke in tow. Reed then drove the women and their companion 45 miles to a hospital, where Mrs. Wildung and Miss Stanke were treated for hypothermia. They recovered.
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