[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S10671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ERIC C. HURST

 Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to bring to your 
attention an outstanding individual, Eric C. Hurst of Minot, ND.
  This young man tragically lost his life in an attempt to rescue one 
of my fellow Iowans. Mr. Hurst loved his job as a canoe guide in the 
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota. While working on 
July 30, 2002, Mr. Hurst witnessed a young lady, Jamie Christenson, 
drowning in the boundary Waters near Basswood Falls. Without 
hesitation, Mr. Hurst dove in to rescue Ms. Christenson. Unfortunately, 
both Mr. Hurst and Ms. Christenson were pulled under water by the 
strong undercurrent. When they surfaced, revival attempts were futile.
  Although this story has a tragic ending, we must not forget the 
heroism displayed by Eric Hurst. He was willing to try to save Ms. 
Christenson from the turbulent waters of Basswood Falls without regard 
to the danger it posed to his own life. This is truly the ultimate 
sacrifice one can make.
  It is with deep respect and great sadness that I recognize Mr. Eric 
C. Hurst before this body of Congress and this nation for his unselfish 
act of heroism. Eric Hurst and Jamie Christenson will be missed by the 
many people they touched in their life and I express my sincere 
condolences to their families.

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