Frank Albee Shaw attempted to rescue Donald W. Tavenner from burning, Deer Lodge, Montana, June 4, 1969. When Tavenner’s helicopter crashed and caught fire, he and Shaw, 54, insurance and real estate dealer, were rendered unconscious; and their clothing, which had been sprayed with gasoline from the ruptured fuel tank, was ignited. Shaw revived, climbed out, and ran to 40 feet from the wreckage, beating out the flames on his clothing. Noting that Tavenner, 57, ranch operator, still was unconscious in the wrecked cockpit amid flames, Shaw ran back to the helicopter, despite having sustained serious burns. As Shaw extended his hand toward Tavenner’s seat belt, there was a burst of flames which momentarily enveloped his body and forced him back briefly. Heat was blistering. Shaw again reached toward Tavenner, who regained consciousness, fumbled with the buckle of the seat belt, and then stepped from the cockpit. Together Shaw and Tavenner ran from the wreckage. Both were hospitalized for extensive burns. Shaw eventually recovered, but Tavenner succumbed.
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