Judith E. Speel

Judith E. Speel died after attempting to save John M. Quackenbush from drowning, Narragansett, Rhode Island, May 30, 1968. While on rocks along the shore of the Atlantic Ocean with Miss Speel, 28, clinical psychologist, Quackenbush, 22, was swept into the water by a wave. The only other man at the scene went to summon aid, and when he returned, Miss Speel also was in the water. She was swimming toward Quackenbush. Police and a rescue squad arrived, as did James A. Reilly, III. With a rope tied around his waist and held by several men, Reilly entered the surf. Taking with him a life ring, he swam to Miss Speel, who then was 450 feet from shore. Quackenbush was no longer in sight. Reilly placed the life ring around Miss Speel and began towing her toward shore, aided by the men pulling on the rope. They were nearly to the rocks when a large wave approached. The men holding the rope kept Reilly close to shore; but Miss Speel was swept seaward. Reilly was pulled from the water. Fog prevented further rescue attempts. The bodies of Quackenbush and Miss Speel later were washed ashore.