Harriet N. Swoboda, 51, housewife, died attempting to save Roger D. Byrd, 13, from drowning, Robertsdale, Alabama, June 4, 1965. Roger, who could not swim, and a 12-year-old boy who was a poor swimmer were wading in a farm pond and got into water beyond their depth. They were submerged briefly and then flailed wildly as they shouted for help, attracting Mrs. Swoboda and her husband, who could not swim. Unable to reach the boys after wading as far as he could, the husband ran to get help after warning Mrs. Swoboda not to try to aid the boys lest they be too much for her to handle. Roger then sank and did not reappear. Mrs. Swoboda removed her shoes and entered the water. She waded and swam a 150 feet to where Roger was floating just below the surface in water eight feet deep. Mrs. Swoboda drew Roger to the surface and towed him 10 feet toward the bank. Both Mrs. Swoboda and Roger then sank. Others arrived, and the 12-year-old boy was aided from the water. The bodies of Mrs. Swoboda and Roger were recovered
48094 – 5057
48094-5057