Ignacio M. Sanchez; Helped Rescue Trapped Girl

Ignacio M. Sanchez, 65, who figured out the digging method that resulted in the rescue of toddler Jessica McClure from an abandoned well in Midland, Tex. He was the specialist who knew how to dig through limestone so a paramedic could rescue the 18-month-old child, who was trapped 22 feet underground in 1987. Sanchez received eight commendations extolling his expertise and bravery. He dug for more than 24 hours to reach the girl. Sanchez, a construction worker for 41 years, retired a year ago. “Saving Jessica was the biggest thing in his life,” said one of his 11 children, David Moreno of San Antonio. In San Antonio on Nov. 3 of cancer.