Rock Island Argus., 1896-05-16
CRUSHED BY A CAR.
Leo De Baets Makes a Fatal
Step in Boarding a Train.
WHILE BIDDING ADIBU TO FRIENDS

Falls Between Two osaches on the Rock
Isla,A = Peoria Railway and Sustains In
jaries FROM Which he Dies while En-
route to the Hospital in the Ambulance.
Leo De Baets was bidding farewell
to friends as he attempted to board
an west-bound passengerStrain on the
Rock Island & Peoria rail&ay which
was leaving the Cambridge depot
early last evening. He made a mis-
step and fell between the two
coaches. The rear one passed over
his left leg and otherwise Injured
him so that he died an hour after
ward while being taken to St. An
thongs hospital in the city ambu-
lance.
The unfortunate man was q Bel
gian who had been stopping in Mo-
line, where he had resided until q
short time ago, when he returned to
his native heath in Europe. About
three weeks ago he again arrived in
Moline for the purpose of settling up
some personal affairs and visiting
old acquaintsnces prior to bidding
sdisu to America forever. He had
arranged everything and contem-
plated starting for home immedi-
stely. But yesterday morning he
, suggested to some of his friends that
they accompany him to Cambridge.
| where he had some dear acquaint-
ances whom he desired to call on
before departing from this section. So
in company with Fred Van Von-
terghen and Camille Yer Muel-
len Mr.. De Baets made the
proposed trip. They spent the day
in an enjoyable manner. and $50
in the afternoon found themselves
and friends chatting gaily at the
Cambridge depot, where the three
gentlemen were awaiting train for
this city. So it came in charge Of
Conductor Harry Lee with Engineer
Jake Stillwell. Van Vonterghen and
Yer Muelen boarded the train as soon
as it reached the platform, but DE
Baets tarried with his friends. Finally
as the bell sounded the leaving time
De Baets stepped toward the rear end
Of the front coach and in reaching
for the railing he turned to bid last
farewell to his friends.
Falls Beneath tae Wheels.
And sad farewell it proved. De
Baets missed the step. He fell be-
tween the coaches and under the
wheels of the rear one, which had
passed over him before bystanders
realized what had occurred. He was
picked up unconscious and DIR. Kirk
land was summoned. De Baets was
| placed in the coach. He was ac-
companied by the doctor, and the
train resumed its journey. They
were met at the Twentieth street
depot by the ambulance. into which
the injured man was placed and
ordered taken to St. Anthouy's hos
pital. DIR. Kirkland and De Baets'
friends accompanied him. He was
gradually sinking and when within a
block OF the hospital he died. The
body was taken to Undertaken Wheel
ans parlors where Drs. Plummer and
crushing injury of the left ankle,
and fractures of the left thigh and
pelvic bones. The body had been
severely crushed. causing mortal in
ternal injuries.
De Baets was 46 years old and sim
gle. Mr.. Yer Muelen in jumping
from the train when he realized what
had occurred fell against a post.
fracturing rib in.his left side. Cor
oner Hawes with a jury composed of
II. F. Wheelan. foreman; Frank N.
Horn, Fred Hoesli, j. Z. Mott,
Charles Souders and S. S. Hull held an
inquest over the remains at Wheel
ans parlors and arrived at q verdict
that death was the result of injuries
accidentally sustained.
The funeral will occur at o'clock
Monday morning from St. Mary's
church in Moline.