Leonard L. Logan died attempting to save Thomas R. Piper from drowning, Columbus, Ohio, May 4, 1962. Thomas, 10, who could not swim, fell into the Scioto River and was submerged, surfacing 10 feet from the bank. He flailed his arms and called for help as he drifted farther from the bank into water seven feet deep. Leonard, 15, schoolboy, entered the water fully clothed and swam 20 feet to Thomas. The latter threw both arms around the neck of Leonard, who broke free and attempted to obtain a chin hold. Thomas then grasped Leonard’s shoulders from behind and began to climb onto his back, causing both to be submerged briefly. As Leonard tried to pull Thomas from his back, both sank again. They surfaced with Thomas still holding Leonard and then were submerged for a longer time. Thomas and Leonard returned to the surface three feet apart 40 feet from the bank. Both appeared to be in distress. As Leonard’s older brother entered the water fully clothed and swam toward them, Thomas and then Leonard disappeared beneath the surface. When neither reappeared, the brother swam back to the bank. Police and firemen arrived soon afterward. Dragging operations were begun, and the bodies of Thomas and Leonard were recovered.
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