G. Wesley Moore died attempting to save Duane C. Schulze from drowning, Toketee Falls, Oregon, December 8, 1962. Duane, 14, schoolboy, a poor swimmer, fell into a power company’s hydroelectric canal which had concrete sides sloping downward to a depth of eight feet. As he was carried along by the swift current, Duane called for help. Moore, 33, plywood worker, who also was a poor swimmer, and five boys ran to the bank 20 feet ahead of Duane. With one foot on the bank and the other just above the water on the snow-covered concrete, Moore held to a shirt extended by two of the boys, leaned over the water, and grasped Duane’s hand as the current carried him within reach. As he obtained his hold, Moore slipped and fell into the water, where the current tore Duane from his grasp. The boys ran ahead of Duane and Moore to steps in the concrete side of the canal. With two others holding his hands, the oldest boy extended one foot, which Duane brushed with his hands as he passed. When Moore reached them, he made no attempt to take hold of the boy’s extended foot. Duane and Moore were carried three miles downstream in the cold water and drowned.
46371 – 4724
46371-4724