Lois E. Szabo, 29, housewife, died attempting to save Susan Ford, 11, from drowning, Gary, Indiana, July 24, 1959. While wading into the water from a beach along Lake Michigan, Susan was caught by a strong undertow and carried beyond her depth. Her calls for help attracted Mrs. Szabo, who was sunning herself on the beach while recuperating from a recent operation. Although aware of the dangerous undertow, Mrs. Szabo waded into the water and then swam 175 feet to Susan, who was 225 feet from shore struggling to stay afloat in water seven feet deep between waves generally two feet high. Mrs. Szabo took hold of Susan and began towing her toward the beach but was unable to make appreciable progress. After being submerged several times, Mrs. Szabo and Susan appeared at the surface three feet apart and floated there inert. Susan then sank and did not reappear. Help was summoned, and Mrs. Szabo was brought to shore. She could not be revived. The body of Susan was recovered an hour later. 44792-4305
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