Lady Helen Parker, 31, housewife, died attempting to save Betty J. Campbell and Eloris Hampton, both 14, from drowning, Russell, Mississippi, August 22, 1954. While wading in a private lake, Betty and Eloris, who could not swim, accidentally stepped into deep water. They were submerged briefly and rose together 15 feet from the bank struggling and screaming for help. Mrs. Parker at once swam six feet to a position between them. Both lunged at her, Eloris grasping Mrs. Parker’s arm, and Betty seizing her tightly around the neck. Mrs. Parker’s stepson Walter M. Parker then swam 15 feet to Eloris, who released Mrs. Parker and got hold of Walter at the waist, pulling him beneath the surface. Mrs. Parker tried without avail to break free of Betty, who was panic-stricken and repeatedly submerged Mrs. Parker in attempting to climb upon her. Violently kicking Eloris, who was 20 pounds heavier than he, Walter freed himself. They rose, and Eloris again got hold of Walter and attempted to climb onto his back. With extreme effort he swam toward the bank towing Eloris, who several times forced him below the surface. He reached wadable water seven feet from the bank and stood up as Eloris straddled his back. Maintaining his footing with difficulty, Walter carried Eloris to the bank. Mrs. Parker sank from view with Betty pushing downward on her for support. Betty briefly remained at the surface and then also submerged. Neither reappeared. Within five minutes the husband of Mrs. Parker arrived in a rowboat. Directed by Walter, who reentered the water and clung to the side of the boat, the husband made repeated dives, but was unable to locate Betty and Mrs. Parker. They later were brought to the surface by rescue workers but could not be revived. 43259-3971
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