William M. Hoffman, 29, polisher, died attempting to save William G. Hotchkiss, 11, from drowning, New Hartford, Connecticut, January 23, 1911. With the temperature at freezing point, Hoffmann went from the shore to the assistance of Hotchkiss, who had broken through the ice on the Farmington River, 135 feet from the bank, where the water was over eight feet deep. When within reach of Hotchkiss, the ice broke beneath Hoffmann, throwing him into the water. He caught hold of Hotchkiss and helped him reach the edge of the hole, but his efforts to assist Hotchkiss out of the hole were unsuccessful, as the ice broke each time he tried. Hoffman then became separated from Hotchkiss and was too dazed and numb to help Hotchkiss or himself. In a few moments both sank and were drowned. 6113-581
6113 – 581
6113-581