Jerry Dean Burdette died helping to save Jay E. Knox from drowning, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, September 9, 1978. While frolicking in the Atlantic Ocean, Jay, 11, was caught by a strong current and carried seaward. Burdette, 36, automotive mechanic, waded and swam to Jay, who then was about 200 feet from shore. The current prevented Burdette from towing Jay shoreward. As directed by Burdette, Jay then swam as hard as he could and reached safety. Burdette drowned.
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