Lewis G. Agee died attempting to save Naomi Lee Ward from drowning, Manson, Arkansas, September 8, 1940. Naomi, 16, holding to a tree limb, drifted in the Black River to water 12 feet deep 44 feet from the bank, lost her hold, and was submerged briefly. Agee, 20, farmer, waded from the bank and then swam 16 feet to Naomi, who took hold of him; and they were submerged. Naomi’s head rose above the surface briefly. A man, who was an expert swimmer, swam to them, took hold of Agee, and raised his head and Naomi’s above the surface. Naomi’s arm was around Agee’s neck. Agee took hold of the man; and the three were submerged, the man breaking Agee’s hold and rising to the surface alone. He dived, got hold of Naomi, pulled her to the surface, towed her six feet, and then got hold of a pole that was extended to him. They were pulled to wadable water. Naomi, who was unconscious, was revived. Agee was drowned. 38584-3195
38584 – 3195
38584-3195