Copyright © 2004 Submitted by: Jan Cortez This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ Big Rapids Pioneer June 4, 1908 MUSKEGON CLAIMS ANOTHER VICTIM Willis Ewing, Commercial F.I. Student, Drowned Saturday Afternoon The treacherous waters of the Muskegon River have claimed another victim in the person of Willis Ewing, a Ferris Institute student in the commercial department, who was drowned Saturday afternoon, between 4 and 5 o'clock below the old lower dam. He and two companions, Glenn Dodge and Ralph Bliss, had been to hear the Memorial exercises on the court house square, and as soon as these were over they went to the river for a swim. When in the water, Dodge saw Ewing on his back, floating as he thought. He swam near to where he was when he heard the young man gasping. Receiving no reply to his calls he took in the situation that cramps has seized him, and tried to save him by taking hold of his hand. As soon as he touched the drowning man Dodge himself was seized with a tight grip, and came pretty nearly going under with the sinking body. It was with great difficulty that he saved himself. The news of the accident was soon spread through the city and hundreds of people gathered on the banks of the river to watch the search after the body. While some were dragging the river with grappling hooks, George Bryant stripped off his outer clothes and made five dives into the river. He found the body lying face down in the so-called "whirlpool" in the middle of the river. In diving under in some manner Mr. Bryant cut his foot and is now confined to his home, being unable to put his shoe on. The body had lain in the water about one hour, and was found about five o'clock. After the recovery all known methods of resuciation were employed in trying to bring it to life again but in vain. It was taken to his rooming place at Mrs. Ball's corner of Woodward avenue and Division street. The young man was not quite 21 years of age, his 21st birthday anniversary falling on June 24, when he expected to graduate from the commercial department of the Institute. His graduation suit was already bought, but it was used for another purpose than intended, when he was laid away in the casket.