Duane M. Gades, 20, student, died helping to save Mark L. Schumacher, 9, schoolboy, from drowning, Glenwood, Minnesota, July 29, 1964. Mark, a poor swimmer, fell from water skis and was submerged briefly in water 10 feet deep a 140 feet from shore in Lake Minnewaska. Duane piloted his motorboat to near Mark, who sank again. Duane put the boat's motor in idle position but when he dived into the water he accidentally kicked the control lever. The boat moved erratically toward shore as Duane brought Mark to the surface. Although Mark flailed wildly and struck him in the face, Duane began towing him toward shore. They were submerged briefly a number of times because of Mark's struggling. Duane's 13 year-old brother, Larry D. Gades, entered the water and swam toward them. Duane, gasping for breath after having moved Mark to within 75 feet of shore, released him and sank in water eight feet deep. Larry then was 10 feet away. Winded from swimming rapidly, Larry continued to Mark and supported him although he continued to struggle. Duane did not return to the surface. Another motorboat arrived and took Mark and Larry to shore. Duane's body later was recovered.
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1996-2006 Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.
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