Edmond Kelly Plamondon

Mr. Edmond Kelly "E.K." Plamondon, his wife Susan, and two daughters, Marie and Irene, all boarded the Eastland. Two younger daughters, Genevieve and Ethel, plus a younger son, Ambrose, were left at home. E.K. and his family were accompanied on the excursion and picnic by E.K.'s brother, James Ambrose Plamondon, together with his son and daughter-in-law, William James and Julia Devany Plamondon.

The members of the two Plamondon families were all thrown into the water. When the Eastland rolled over, E.K. grabbed a nearby life preserver and threw it to his wife. E.K. then managed to rescue his daughter, Irene. Meanwhile, James Ambrose rescued himself and his niece, Marie. William and Julia reached the safety of shore as well. E.K.'s wife Susan perished.

E.K., Marie, and Irene were taken to St. Luke's hospital. While recovering there, E.K. was under the impression that his wife Susan had been saved. He did not learn that his wife had perished until he and his daughters returned to their home. Susan's brother, Robert Byrnes, had identified her body at the makeshift morgue established at the Second Regiment Armory building.