Thomas Earl Bunton died attempting to save James E. Simmons from drowning, Indianapolis, Indiana, August 20, 1976. While in a wet well 29 feet deep, Simmons, 38, collapsed and fell into sewage about three feet deep. Bunton, 27, laborer, descended into the well via a ladder and aided Simmons to his feet. A cable with a hook at the end was lowered; and Simmons stood on the hook and held to the cable, which others began raising from the well as Bunton followed via the ladder. Simmons collapsed again, falling against Bunton. Both fell into the sewage and were motionless. Firemen with special equipment entered the well and removed Simmons and Bunton. Both were pronounced dead.
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