New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-06-03
TWO DROWNED IN THE HUDSON
A MOTHER LEAPS INTO THE WATER TO
SAVE HER CHILD.
THE LITTLE ONE HAD FALLEN INTO THE RIVER
WHILE PLAYING WITH HER COMPANIONS ON
THE RocKs-BoTH SWEPT FROM SIGHT.
'CLAsPED IN EACH OTHERS ARMS.

THE RocKs-BoTH SWEPT FROM SIGHT.
'CLasPED IN EACH OTHERS ARMS.
Mrs. Helen wheattley, OF No 513 West One
hundred and sixty -sixth-st. Jumped from high
cliff at One hundred "a nd nine -seventhst into
the Hudson River yesterday afternoon. in an
effort to save her daughter Helen six years old,
who had fallen from the embankment into the
water and both mother and child were drowned.
The heroic effort OF the mother to save her
child from drowning witnessed by friend
of the dead woman Mrs. Annie Wilson, OF No.
911 West One hundred md sixty eighth-st. and
her two young children. Mrs. Wheattley's body
was washed ashore at One-hundred- d-seven-
tieth-st two hours after the accident, but that
Of her little ono had not been recovered at late
hour last night.
The women formed picnic party yesterday
afternoon consisting Of themselves Mrs. Wheat
tley's four -year-old son. Barr, and her daughter
Helen and the two children OF Mrs. WILSON,
They reached Fort Washington Point, which is
at One-hundred- md ninety -seventh-st., early in
the afternoon.
After eating luncheon. the mothers sat on the
high rocks. many feet above the water. whlle
the children played near by. From time TO time
the mothers called to the children. warning them
not to go too near the rivers edge.
Suddenly Mrs. Wheattley looked up and ut
tered a shrek Close by the waters edge on
the rocks stood Helen. her hair streaming In the
wind. The other children were calling to Helen
to come to q safe place After q moments hesi-
tation, Mrs. Wheattey rushed toward the child
uttering loud cries. The child turned toward
her mother and as she did so her feet slipped
and she fell headlong into the river.
second later the mother reached the edge
OF the rock and saw Helen. who was held up
by her clothing crying and struggling In the
water AS Mrs. Wilson, who had followed her
friend. stretched out her hand to restrain Mrs.
Wheattey from jumping into the water, the
latter leaped from the rocks The mother and
child were clasped in each others arms in the
river Mrs. Wilson and her children looked at
the struggles Of the two. calling loudly for heIp.
At the time the tide was on the ebb and rum
ming strong Mrs. Wheattley could not swim,
but her struggles carried her close to the rocks.
1t seemed as though she would find place TO
rest her hand and hold on until help came. but
Helen threw her arms about her mothers neck.
Mrs. Wheattey then gave up the struggle ana
the two were swept down and out OF sight or
Mrs Wilson, who looked helplessly on. Wnen
a policeman reached the Waterside ncthin8
could be seen OF the mother and child
on learning of the death OF his wife ana
daughter, Joseph Wheattley, who WORKS IN
clothing store at No. Alb Broadway, became
hysterical. 1t was learned from him that MS
son Barr had fallen into the water from the
embankment at the Point on Memorial Day, ana
he had rescued him by jumping into the water.
two years ago. They were in fairly good CIT