Jeffrey Glenn Russell died attempting to save Joseph B. Bailey from drowning, Orick, California, January 2, 2004. While playing on a Pacific Ocean beach, Joseph, 8, was pulled into the rough surf, then taken out from shore. His mother, who was nearby, ran into the water for him, but they were separated in the waves. Joseph’s uncle, Russell, 38, construction company superintendent, was at the beach parking area when he was alerted to the situation. He immediately ran to the beach, then continued running into the 50-degree water and swam out to Joseph, who was then about 40 feet from shore. Russell held Joseph to his chest as they were carried by a strong longshore current over the course of several minutes. During that time, Joseph was lost to sight of those on shore, then Russell. Responding rescue personnel recovered Russell from the surf at a point about 1,500 feet from where he had entered the water. He could not be revived, as he had drowned. Joseph was not found.
77442 – 8854
77442-8854