William Terrell attempted to save James E. Marks from drowning, Holyoke, Massachusetts, June 21, 1967. Marks, 38, laborer, who could not swim, fell from a boat into water 12 feet deep ten feet from a bank of the Connecticut River. Terrell, 39, laborer, jumped from the boat into the water and attempted to aid Marks, but the latter’s struggles prevented him from obtaining a hold. As the strong current carried them downstream, the struggles of Marks caused both to be submerged. Terrell surfaced alone, gasping for air. He then dived and located Marks, who had lost consciousness. Terrell took Marks to the surface but was unable to move him toward the bank because of the current. Marks revived and renewed his struggles, again causing them to be submerged. Terrell returned to the surface nearly exhausted. Robert Downie was attracted and ran to the bank. He saw only Terrell, who then was almost unconscious, his face barely above water. Downie entered the water and swam to Terrell, who had been carried to 25 feet from the bank. Terrell struggled feebly as Downie attempted to tow him toward the bank, but the current carried them farther downstream. Terrell then became inert. Downie’s efforts to keep him afloat and swim across the current tired him rapidly. He was nearly exhausted when they reached shallow water. A man waded to them and aided in taking Terrell to the bank, where he revived. The body of Marks later was recovered.
49711 – 5406
49711-5406