John D. Perrino attempted to save Jonathan J. Thibodeau from drowning, Auburn, Maine, April 6, 1981. At night, Jonathan, 15, fell into the Androscoggin River, where the water was deep and cold and the current swift. Perrino, 26, patrolman, removed some of his attire and followed another officer who had gone to the aid of Jonathan. After pushing Jonathan to Perrino, who was about 90 feet from the bank, the officer drowned. Jonathan struggled with Perrino, causing him to be submerged a number of times. Perrino towed Jonathan toward the bank, tiring rapidly and losing hold of Jonathan briefly. Jonathan struggled further; and they went under about 50 feet from the bank. Perrino, nearly exhausted, lost his hold on Jonathan, who drowned. Persons on the bank threw a rope to Perrino and pulled him to safety. 57883-6545
57883 – 6545
57883-6545