Felix Ramirez, 56, railroad crossing guard, died attempting to save Mary V. Birch, 9, from drowning, Austin Texas, August 11, 1952. While wading in the Colorado River, Mary, who could not swim, slipped into deep water and drifted in a current of 1.5 m.p.h., alternately submerging and reappearing. Ramirez, who was weak from an abdominal operation and had been cautioned by a physician to avoid exertion, was fishing nearby. Removing most of his clothing, Ramirez plunged into the water and with great effort swam 95 feet downstream, gaining steadily on Mary, who was drifting face downward. When he was within four feet of Mary, Ramirez sank. Immediately afterward, Mary also submerged and did not reappear. Their bodies were recovered later that day. 3832-42636
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