Jack E. Campbell attempted to save Clifford J. Cox from suffocation, Foresthill, California, June 20, 1970. In the tunnel of an abandoned gold mine 132 feet below ground level, Cox, 60, sales clerk, lost consciousness 2,700 feet from the entrance shaft due to lack of oxygen. His nephew, who had accompanied him, was unable to move Cox but managed to return to the shaft and ascend from to mine to get help. Among those who assembled was Campbell, 41, assistant state forest ranger. With breathing equipment, Campbell descended to the tunnel, which was five to seven feet in width and in height, and proceeded along it. Beyond 1,600 feet from the shaft, the lack of oxygen made breathing equipment necessary. Campbell reached Cox and tried in vain to replenish the oxygen supply in the outfit Cox had taken with him. By then Campbell’s air supply was low. Deciding to get additional equipment and assistance, Campbell started back to the shaft. He was about 400 feet from the safe area when he ran out of air; but he managed to continue 200 feet farther, where others met him and aided him the rest of the way. Efforts of others eventually resulted in the removal of Cox, who recovered fully.
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