Ralph D. McCulley helped attempt to save William C. Stott from suffocation, Akron, Ohio, June 29, 1968. When Stott, 43, equipment cleaner, entered a tank car to clean it, he lost consciousness due to a deficiency of oxygen in the enclosed area. He fell prone on the bottom of the tank with his face and mouth partially in water. Another workman, who was atop the tank, called to McCulley, 24, lab technician, to get aid. Unaware of the oxygen deficiency, the workman then entered the tank by means of a stationary ladder. He also lost consciousness, falling partially on top of Stott. McCulley returned with others and, noting the situation, started to the aid of Stott. He inhaled some of the bad air but continued down the ladder until he began to feel weak. Deciding to get fresh air and then re-enter the tank, McCulley started back up the ladder. He lost consciousness and fell to the bottom of the tank, where he lay partially atop Stott and the other man. All three later were removed. McCulley was hospitalized for a skull fracture, and both he and the other man recovered. Stott was pronounced dead.
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