Harold H. Gerwig, 35, contractor, died attempting to save William E. Rippe, 29, truckman, from drowning, Rome City, Indiana, July 17, 1921. Rippe was swimming in Sylvan Lake and attempted to touch bottom where the water was 10 feet deep. He began to sink and called for help. Gerwig swam to Rippe from wadable water 12 feet distant, got hold of Rippe’s bathing suit, and attempted to move him toward the bank. Another man swam to them and grasped Rippe, but he became frightened and returned to wadable water. Gerwig sank and was drowned. Rippe was rescued by men who reached the scene in a motorboat. 21596-1679
21596 – 1679
21596-1679