FIELDS

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Monday, April 11, 2011 at 05:50:44 :

Marin Journal
Thursday, May 13, 1943
Page 1

Tam High School Youth Drowns in Tubbs Lake

Tubs Lake, the scene for many years of water sports of the youths of this county, was stalked by tragedy last Sunday when the only son of a Marin City couple lost his life.

Donald Robert Fields, 14 year old student at Tamalpais High School, had gone to the Lake adjoining the old brick yard, with three friends for a swimming party.

Soon after entering the water Fields was thought to have been seized with cramps, suddenly went under.

Companions of the youth, and Nick Ianniello, nearby rancher, immediately summoned aid.

Sheriff Sellmer, accompanied by Deputy Aubuchon, arrived at the lake and with grappling hooks worked several hours before recovering the body from tangled snags on the floor of the pool.

Meanwhile the Larkspur city respirator with operator stood by and Dr. Akers, of San Quentin, waited, but when the body was brought to the surface the lad was beyong medical aid.

Sheriff Sellmer stated that a sign had been erected on the property, warning “This is not a public swimming pool. Persons bathing here do so at their own risk and against the wishes of the owner.”

Sellmer reported, however, that until a week ago, admission had been charged.

Selmer says Ianniello had been told something had to be done about conduct of the pool, when Victor Prince, of Fairfax, and Jack McDonough, of Ross, had been bitten by a dog, after paying admission.