Rodney C. Kittelson died helping to save Michael A. Kittelson from drowning, Goodhue, Minnesota, May 27, 1996. Michael, 2, fell from a bridge abutment into the deep, cold water of Wells Creek while on a fishing outing with his father and grandfather. The grandfather, Kittelson, 58, toolmaker, immediately jumped into the creek from the abutment. He submerged and resurfaced, holding Michael. Michael’s father had also entered the creek; unable to touch bottom, he and Kittelson held to the side of the abutment and shouted for help. Kittelson submerged in the 46-degree water. Others arrived; with a rope they pulled Michael from the creek, then Michael’s father, who first had attempted to remove Kittelson from the water. Kittelson was recovered by rescue personnel who then attempted resuscitation, but he could not be revived; he died of drowning due to hypothermia. Michael was treated at a hospital for hypothermia, and he recovered.
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