On the afternoon of 20 August 1984, nine-year-old Wade Nolan was crossing a rain-swollen stream with a friend when the younger boy fell through a hole in the narrow wooden walkway and was dragged into the mouth of Kelligrews Brook in Conception Bay, Newfoundland. Seeing that his friend was rapidly drifting towards the over-flowing dam, Wade Nolan did not hesitate to jump into the strong current in an attempt to rescue the boy. The panic-stricken victim wrapped his arms around Wade's neck but, despite their struggles, they were pulled under the surface. Unfortunately, both perished.