George L. Nerling, 17, messenger, died attempting to save Clifford A. Belden, 30, packer, from drowning, Rexford, New York, August 2, 1930. While Belden was swimming in an abandoned section of the old Erie Canal, he became distressed in deep water six feet from the bank and called for help. George, who was in the water, swam 10 feet to him, and Belden flung his arm around George’s neck. After a brief struggle, both were submerged and were drowned.
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