Dale W. Hicks II helped to save Kristin L. Mason and Steven E. Granby and helped attempt to save Daniel F. Heede from drowning, Panama City Beach, Florida, May 2, 2002. Swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, Ms. Mason, 19, was unable to return to shore against rough water conditions, and Granby, 24, likewise became stranded when he attempted to help her. On the beach nearby, Hicks, 31, college student, was alerted to the situation. Removing his sandals and shirt, he entered the water and swam to the couple, as had Heede, 52. Hicks grasped Granby and started to take him to shore while Heede supported Ms. Mason. Ms. Mason then joined Granby and Hicks, who took her to wadable water before returning for Granby and taking him in. Heede was seen floating in the water. Nearly exhausted, Hicks swam out to him and, with the help of a deputy sheriff, took him to shore. Heede could not be revived; he had drowned.
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