Ray J. Clemonts, 18, schoolboy, died attempting to save Charles E. Alexander, 16, schoolboy, from drowning, Enright, Arkansas, May 18, 1955. While at a school picnic at Barber’s Lake, Charles decided to go swimming alone. He swam 30 feet and then returned to within 12 feet of the bank, where he became fatigued and submerged briefly in water eight feet deep. He floundered wildly and called for help, attracting the attention of Clemonts and another youth, both of whom were tired from swimming a short time before. Both youths ran 40 feet to the bank, where they removed their shoes and dived into the water. They swam 12 feet to Charles, telling him they would take him to the bank. Charles continued to flail his arms, striking each youth about the head. The other youth then swam back toward the bank as Clemonts moved behind Charles in an effort to shove him toward the bank but suddenly ceased all motion and sank. Charles continued to flounder until the other youth returned with a board, and two persons arrived in a rowboat. Charles was assisted into the boat, and the other youth made several surface dives to search for Clemonts but was unable to locate him. Charles had swallowed some water and was fatigued but soon recovered. The body of Clemonts was recovered an hour later, but he could not be revived. 43466-4061
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