Frank West arrived and went to warm himself at a log fire. A 12 year old by the name of J. Daniel Folsom was also by the fire. Sam Starr began to curse Frank and told him to leave the dance. West refused and more heated words followed. Sam went for his gun at the same time Frank drew his weapon.
Gunshots rang out, and both men fell to the ground mortally wounded.
The young 12 year old boy, who broke for cover, was struck by a stray shot and hit in the side of the mouth. West had been hit in the neck and died within minutes. Sam was shot in the chest and struggled for a few moments before passing on. Belle arrived at the scene and knelt beside her dead husband and cursed Frank West. Sam Starr was just 27 years old while Frank West had been 34 at the time of their deaths.