The Sun

AERONAUT DROWNED
Edward Cole Fell In Bay-His Companion Saved.

Toledo, O., Aug. 30.-"Prof." Edward Cole, an aeronaut of this city, was drowned in Maumee Bay this afternoon after an ascension. His companion, who was billed as Josie Carmel, was saved by her life preserver. Miss Carmel, whose real name is Lillian Trautwein, was making her first ascension, and she is on the verge of nervous prostration to-night. The balloon rose from the Casino on the bay front, and it was about three miles out when the tragedy occurred. Miss Trautwein said that the balloon, which was a new one, had not been filled completely, and therefore descended sooner than was expected. Cole realized this, and told her not to be worried if they had to stay in the water some time. She was standing on a little perch twenty feet above Cole, and had a life preserver on all the time. Cole had removed his to do his gymnastic work, and in his nervousness at the balloon's rapid descent dropped it. When the balloon neared the water Cole gave the word to drop, and they fell one hundred feet apart. Cole could not swim, but sustained himself for some time by floating on his back. The girl, who is only 10, had no knowledge of swimming, so she was unable to reach Cole and share with him her life preserver. After struggling for some time in the water Cole called out that he could do no more for himself and sank. Soon after Miss Trautwein was rescued by a naphtha launch. Cole was 28 years old. He had been making ascensions for twelve years and had never had even a slight accident.