James W. Edwards, 53, construction foreman, saved Delores E. Wride, 12, and died attempting to save Sandra L. Wride, 10, from drowning, Bennett Springs, Missouri, August 21, 1953. In afternoon heat of 98 degrees, Delores and her sister Sandra while bathing in the Niangua River near the mouth of a cold, swiftly moving spring were swept off their feet and drifted into deep water. A young woman reached Delores and Sandra but returned to the bank after the girls struggled briefly with her. The girls drifted apart, Delores being carried to within 75 feet of the far bank. Edwards was attracted and ran 100 feet to the bank. Fully clothed, he plunged into the water and swam 100 feet across the current to Delores. She flung both her arms around his neck and tried to climb upon him, and they twice sank and rose, Edwards greatly exerting himself in his effort to break the hold. At the urging of her mother on the bank, Delores ceased to struggle, and Edwards towed her 35 feet to wadable water. His face was contorted, and his breathing was loud and labored. Motioning to Delores to wade to the bank, Edwards began swimming toward Sandra, who was 100 feet away. Edwards suddenly sank and did not reappear. A youth who was a strong swimmer reached Sandra and towed her to the bank. Delores reached the other bank safely. The girls had swallowed water but recovered. Edwards was found in 10 minutes but could not be revived. 3891-42960
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