Robert R. Stephenson died after attempting to save Edward A. Skypala, II, from drowning, Ocracoke, North Carolina, August 8, 1978. While swimming in the Atlantic Ocean in an area where there was a strong rip current, Edward, 11, called for help. Edward’s father, another man, and Stephenson, 49, environmental analyst, waded and swam to Edward about 60 feet from shore. While the father supported Edward, the other man obtained a surfboard to use as a rescue aid. After Edward had been placed on the surfboard, Stephenson was seen floating face down in the water. By means of the board, both Edward and Stephenson were taken to shore. Stephenson could not be revived.
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