George Hayes O’Brien died attempting to save Anthony Valentine from drowning, Manchester, Connecticut, December 27, 1928. While skating on the Hockanum River, Anthony, 13, broke through the ice at a point 30 feet from the bank. George, 14, schoolboy, was on the ice 10 feet farther from the bank. He crawled to the edge of the hole and reached for Anthony. The ice broke under him. Anthony grasped George, and George took hold of Anthony. They quickly sank, and both were drowned. . 28913-2394
28913 – 2394
28913-2394Obituary
George Hayes O’Brien was born on Aug. 23, 1914, in Hartford, Conn., the son of James Harry and Mary G. (Hayes) O’Brien.
He was a member of St. Rose’s Church and was an altar boy. George was also an active member of the Hartford YMCA.
(Edited from an account of the incident and rescue in the Dec. 28, 1928, issue of The Hartford, Conn., Courant.)