Ronald J. Hubbard died helping to save Albert E. Pugliesi from drowning, Edgemere, New York, August 8, 1958. While Albert, 14, and another boy were swimming in Little Bay, Albert got into difficulty in water 20 feet deep 125 feet from shore and called for help. The other boy, who was a good swimmer, swam a short distance to Albert and supported him. Both boys then called for help. Hubbard, 22, who had not swum for a year because of an injury that restricted the use of one arm, entered the water and swam with some difficulty to where Albert still was supported by the other boy. Hubbard and the other boy each placed an arm around Albert’s waist and, supporting him between them, swam part way back to shore. Hubbard, whose face showed great distress, released his hold. He suddenly emitted a cry and sank. He did not reappear. The two boys reached shore safely, Albert being taken to shore by a man in a rowboat. Police later recovered Hubbard’s body.
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