William Klumker died attempting to save Arlene M. Schalnus from drowning, McCoy, Colorado, July 30, 1939. While wading in the Colorado River, Arlene, 10, got beyond her depth and drifted to water 15 feet deep 15 feet from the bank. Klumker, 43, farmer and taxidermist, who was clothed and wore hip-length rubber boots, waded from the bank, swam 12 feet, was submerged, and rose three feet beyond Arlene, his back being toward her. He lost his glasses, and his vision was poor. He trod water, and he and Arlene drifted farther from the bank. Mrs. Martha E. Grill, who was clothed and was but a fair swimmer, waded from the bank and swam 10 feet toward Arlene. She then sank and was drowned. Raymond L. Howe, who was clothed, dived from the bank and swam 25 feet to Arlene, who was submerged. He got hold of her and began to tow her toward a sand bar. Klumker meanwhile swam 55 feet to a point 20 feet from the bar. He then sank. Arlene jerked free from Howe, took hold of him around his knees, and pulled him under the surface. They struggled; and Howe under the surface swam 10 feet, Arlene holding to him. A man, who was a good swimmer, waded and swam from the bar to Howe and towed him and Arlene five feet to wadable water; and they waded to the bar. Klumker was drowned. 38353-3198
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