...they remained together clinging to the railings...
Charles Carroll and Irene McDonald were hard-working, blue collar laborers at Western Electric Company. Upon boarding the Eastland, they remained on the upper deck to view the river and to watch people board. As the Eastland rolled over into the river, Charles helped Irene grab ahold of the ship's railing, ensuring that she was safe. They remained together clinging onto the railings until they were rescued and helped off of the ship.
Charles and Irene were married later that year, and together raised a family with five children.