Joseph Oport died attempting to save Merel Manchester from drowning, Flint, Michigan, May 6, 1930. While fishing from the top of the gates that extended across the spillway of Thread Lake, Merel, 12, schoolboy, fell into water 6.5 feet deep in the spillway. He rose 12 feet from the gates. Joseph, 15, caddie, who was fully clothed, ran 90 feet to the spillway, dived into the water, and swam to Merel. He put his arm around Merel’s neck and swam 12 feet with him. Both then went under the surface and were drowned. When the bodies were found, Merel’s arms and legs were around Joseph.
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