Dennis Paul Latoski died attempting to save Donald A. Palo from drowning, Gay, Michigan, August 19, 1973. While in Lake Superior in shallow water in which there was a strong undercurrent, Palo, 28, a non- swimmer, was knocked down by waves and then carried away from shore. Latoski, 25, medical orderly, waded toward Palo after the latter called for help. At times Latoski was lifted off his feet by the undercurrent and the waves. He assumed a swimming position and swam to 100 feet from shore. Palo then was the same distance out, but they were 30 feet apart. Latoski disappeared from sight before contacting Palo, who was carried out of the undercurrent area and then moved toward shore by the waves. He reached safety. Sometime later Latoski was sighted floating inert 40 feet from shore. He was removed from the water but could not be revived.
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