Frederick Hellenga, 26, salesman, died attempting to save Leo Annable, 14, schoolboy, and Benjamin Annable, 42, chauffeur, from drowning, New Buffalo, Michigan, July 5, 1915. Leo was caught by an undertow in Lake Michigan and carried away from the shore. His father, who was a good strong swimmer, went to his assistance and was also carried off. There were waves four or five feet high. Although warned by Annable’s wife and others not to go to the rescue, Hellenga took off his outer clothes, went out on a pier, and dived into the water at a point 150 feet from shore. He swam 35 feet to Benjamin Annable’s cap, which was floating at the surface, the man and boy having then disappeared. A boat was approaching from the outer end of the pier, and Hellenga swam toward shore. After swimming about 100 feet, he called for help. He was drowned before the boat could reach him. Leo and his father were drowned. 15496-1183
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