R. Randolph Owens died helping to save Frederick J. Augustin from drowning, Grand Isle, Louisiana, April 17, 1976. Augustin, 22, lost his footing on a submerged sand bar and was swept into deep water in Barataria Bay, where the current prevented him from returning to the bar or reaching shore. Owens, 34, doctor of medicine, entered the water and swam to Augustin with one end of a fishing line held by a man on the bar and extending to a youth on shore. Holding to the line, Owens and Augustin tried without success to make their way toward shore. The fishing line then broke. Owens went under and drowned. Augustin was rescued by the Coast Guard.
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