John W. Vanderbilt, 25, department manager, died attempting to save James B. Myers, 21, student, from drowning, Soda Springs, California, November 27, 1938. Myers broke through weak ice into water nine feet deep 300 feet from the bank of Lake Van Norden. He was 40 feet from firm ice. Vanderbilt skated to a point near Myers, and the ice broke under him. He took hold of the edge of the ice and repeatedly tried to pull himself from the water, but the ice crumbled. Attempts were made to aid the men, but they failed, and Vanderbilt and Myers sank and were drowned.
37544-3112John W. Vanderbilt
Auburn, CA