George J. Mayle died helping to save Belinda R. Woody from drowning, Bobtown, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1972. When Belinda, 5, attempted to cross a creek on a walkway of stones, she lost her balance, fell into the water, and drifted downstream toward a whirlpool. Among those attracted was Mayle, 47, trucker, who was subject to chest pains and shortness of breath due to a previous injury. Mayle undressed to his underwear and swam to Belinda. He held her head above water as they were swept into the whirlpool. Both Mayle and Belinda disappeared beneath the surface. Mayle remained submerged and drowned; but the current threw Belinda out of the whirlpool and she then was removed from the water by Mayle’s brother.
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