Kenneth M. Goss saved David S., Judi M., Silas D., and Jachin S. Broadbent from drowning, Moab, Utah, April 9, 2010. David, 33, and his wife, Judi, 32, were rafting on the Colorado River with their sons, Silas, 3, and Jachin, 11 months, when their raft overturned while negotiating a set of rapids. They were thrown into the swift, 54-degree water and separated from the raft. Carried downstream, Judi held to the boys, and David attempted to flip the raft over. Goss, 38, delivery driver, was driving along the river at the scene when he saw the overturned raft and the nearby victims. Ascertaining from them that they needed help, Goss descended to the riverbank and entered the water. He swam about 200 feet to catch up to the victims, reaching Judi and the boys at a point about 100 feet from the bank. Goss seized the raft, which was nearby, and made it available to Judi and then David, both of whom also grasped it. They returned to the bank, Goss swimming with one arm while towing the raft, and exited the water to safety. Goss, who had swallowed water, collapsed from exhaustion and required hospital treatment for hypothermia, as did Jachin. They recovered.
83093 – 9417
83093-9417