Jimmie D. Lamberth, 21, student, died attempting to save Delma W. Graham, 21, brakeman, from drowning, Alanreed, Texas, May 30, 1957. When a motorboat in which Graham, Lamberth, and two other young men were riding on Lake McClellan stalled and could not be restarted, Graham began to swim to the nearest bank which was 450 feet away. After swimming 200 feet, he turned and swam 50 feet back toward the boat, where he trod water and called out that he was unable to swim farther. A 20-year-old youth who was a good swimmer entered the water and swam to Graham, but because of his weight was unable to make any progress in aiding him toward the boat. Nearly exhausted by his efforts, the youth began swimming slowly back toward the boat, which Lamberth and the other young man had paddled nearer by using their hands. Graham trod water feebly and again called out that he could swim no farther. Aware that the other young man in the boat could not help, Lamberth then removed his boots and, although he could swim only dog-fashion and had impaired use of one knee, entered the water. He swam 75 feet and reached Graham 300 feet from shore in water 10 to 12 feet deep between choppy waves 15 inches high. Meanwhile the 20-year-old youth had reached the boat, which capsized and sank as he tried to climb into it. He and the other young man were submerged briefly and then looked for Lamberth and Graham but could not see either of them. Soon afterwards another boat arrived and took the two young men to shore. The 20-year-old youth was completely exhausted and barely conscious but recovered. Searchers recovered the bodies of Graham and Lamberth 12 hours later.
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