Daniel Kuehl saved Theresa M. Erickson from drowning, Montevideo, Minnesota, April 12, 1996. Ms. Erickson, 35, was driving on a snow-covered highway when her car slid into a field that was flooded by overflow from the adjacent Minnesota River. The car drifted about 60 feet into the field and began to submerge in water about eight feet deep. Another motorist, Kuehl, 44, mechanic, saw the accident and stopped at the scene. Ms. Erickson rolled down a window and shouted that she could not swim, then she climbed out of the car. Despite the frigid air and water temperatures, Kuehl entered the water, without removing his boots or other items of attire. He swam to Ms. Erickson, grasped her with one hand, then began to return to the edge of the field, Ms. Erickson kicking. Halfway back, Kuehl began to lose strength to the cold. Others assisted them from the water when they neared the edge of the flooded field. Both Ms. Erickson and Kuehl were treated at the hospital for mild hypothermia, from which they soon recovered.
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