James S. Clevenger died attempting to save Farmer Howard, James B. Salyer, and Terry D. Puckett from suffocation, Salyersville, Kentucky, October 18, 1984. Salyer, 46, and Puckett, 17, were rendered unconscious in a sewer shaft after they had entered it to save Howard, 44, who was overcome while working in the shaft. Informed of the accident, Clevenger, 44, janitor, ran to the shaft and, despite attempts by others to restrain him, entered it. He climbed to the bottom of the shaft, where he grasped Salyer and attempted to climb back up. He too was overcome by gas, and he collapsed. Rescuers later pulled the four men from the shaft. Salyer, who never regained consciousness, died 10 months later. Clevenger and Howard could not be revived. Puckett was revived, and he recovered.
60010-7026Obituary
Article clippings saved in physical file; no obit on file. 9/9/20 AB