Claude Cockrell, 36, power lineman, died attempting to save Angie E. Hollingsworth, 17, from drowning, Madison, Mississippi, May 20, 1956. While wading on a sandbar in the Pearl River, Miss Hollingsworth and her sister, both poor swimmers, were caught in the swift current and carried into deep water. A man quickly swam to the sister and aided her to safety as the father of the girls who was a good swimmer tried to overtake Miss Hollingsworth, who then was being carried into an area containing eddies and a strong undertow. As Miss Hollingsworth reached a point opposite him, Cockrell entered the water fully clad and swam 60 feet, reaching her as she sank beneath the surface in water 10 feet deep. Cockrell submerged, grasped her hair, and returned to the surface, where he maintained his hold as she floundered wildly. The father continued swimming toward them, and another man entered the water but was forced to turn back because of the current. Miss Hollingsworth continued flailing her arms as Cockrell began to tow her across the current toward the bank. He had progressed only 10 feet when the father, who then was 12 feet away, sank and did not reappear. Almost immediately afterward Cockrell and Miss Hollingsworth also disappeared beneath the surface. Boats were obtained, and the bodies of Cockrell, Miss Hollingsworth, and her father were recovered within two hours. 43908-4103
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