Thomas W. Smart died helping to save Sheila E. Mackey from drowning, Kemptville, Ontario, July 9, 1971. While frolicking in the South Branch of the Rideau River, Sheila, 10, a non-swimmer, got into water beyond her depth and called for help. Thomas, 13, schoolboy, was swimming nearby and went to Sheila, who was 20 feet from the bank in water five and a half feet deep. She grasped him by the shoulders, forcing him under. Thomas did not return to the surface, but Sheila felt him push her toward the bank. A woman arrived, saw Sheila floundering, and removed her from the water. A girl located Thomas, who was floating motionless near the bottom of the river; and another girl removed him from the water. Thomas could not be revived.
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