Michael L. Kessler attempted to save Robert T. Carter from suffocation, Willowick, Ohio, May 5, 1967. Twenty feet below ground level Robert, 14, was spraying aluminum paint on the concrete walls of an abandoned cistern and was overcome. His father discovered Robert in the cistern and called police and firemen. Kessler, 21, warehouseman, who had been attracted while driving by, volunteered to try to remove Robert. He entered a shaft two feet in diameter and by means of a ladder embedded in the side descended to the chamber at the bottom of the cistern. Kessler picked up Robert, who was taller than he, and prepared to climb out. He then was overcome and collapsed onto the bottom. A fireman wearing an oxygen mask descended into the cistern and tied a rope around Kessler, who was drawn out and quickly revived. The rope also was used to pull Robert out. Kessler and Robert were removed to a hospital, where the latter was revived. Both recovered. 49623-5463
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49623-5463