Eric Steven Martins died after attempting to save Kyle M. DeMello from suffocation, Fall River, Massachusetts, October 31, 1997. Kyle, 11, and Eric, 12, student, were playing atop a pile of gravel at a cement plant when Kyle became caught in the gravel as it dropped into the hopper below. He called for help. Eric immediately responded and pulled at Kyle’s leg but could not free him. Both boys were pulled into the hopper, buried by gravel. A boy who had been with them ran for help, and police officers, firefighters, and others who responded worked to free Kyle and Eric. Rescuers first attempted to dig them out from the top of the pile then were successful in removing them through the base of the hopper amidst falling gravel. Both boys were hospitalized; Kyle was treated for multiple injuries, but Eric died two days later of his injuries.
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