William D. Brinegar, 33, furniture sander, died attempting to save Kathryn G. Severt, 13, from drowning, Jefferson, North Carolina, September 19, 1965. Kathryn, who could not swim, slid from a rock in the South Fork of New River 20 feet from the bank, was submerged briefly, and called for help as the current carried her toward midstream. Brinegar ran 90 feet to the water’s edge and removed his shirt and shoes. He waded to the rock and dived from it into the water. He swam 50 feet and reached Kathryn in deep water. As Brinegar took hold of her, Kathryn grasped him at the shoulders. They sank and rose three times, still holding each other. After being submerged the fourth time they did not reappear. Kathryn’s younger brother summoned his father. He found Kathryn and Brinegar floating face down in wadable water. They could not be revived.
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