ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, September 5, 1996 TAG: 9609050085
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS
Edward Shorter saw Sara Robinson leap from the James River Bridge, and he jumped in behind her, battling the river and the woman to save her life and his own.
``Let me drown,'' Robinson screamed as Shorter grabbed her Tuesday night.
After a few minutes, he had exhausted himself against the swirling current with the 52-year-old woman in tow.
``I gave out. Then I started thinking about death,'' Shorter said.
In the nick of time, three fishermen in a boat arrived. They had heard witnesses' screams from the bridge and saw Shorter floundering.
``I was trying to fight the current and stay close to the bridge, but I was losing ground,'' Shorter said.
Robinson was treated at Riverside Regional Medical Center, police said.
Shorter, 45, said he was driving to his home in Isle of Wight County when he spotted someone crouched on the side of the bridge, looking down.
``I thought someone had gone over the side.''
The woman jumped as soon as Shorter stopped behind her car. He kicked off his shoes and jumped in after her.
Shorter said he didn't consider the danger when he leaped in.
``I thought I was in good enough shape to help her.''
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 34 linesby CNB