The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-10-05
Fred Minger of CenterviIIe,
Who Was Also in Machine,
Jumped and Escaped With
Minor Injuries.
TRIED TO AVOID A WAGON
YOUNG HODGES WAS FOUND
PINNED UNDER WRECkAGE
AND SHORTLY AFTER HE WAS
REMOVED, eREATHED HIS LAST

While attempting to pass a wagon
in his automobile on the national road
about one half mile east of German
town last evening, the big machine in
which Lee Hodges of Knightstown and
Fred Minger of Centerville were seat
ed, dashed over the ten foot embank-
ment, turned completely over and bur
led Hodges beneath the debris, al
most instantly killing the young man.
Minger jumped and escaped with a
few minor injuries. The fatal acci-
dent occurred about 7:15 o'clock.
Hodges and Minger were going east
in the formers big Pope-Toledo ma
chine at the time of the catastrophy
Hodges, who was driving, failed to dis
cover a wagon, which was directly in
front of them, owing to poor lights,
it is thought, until almost directly on
to the vehicle. The wagon was the
bill posters outfit Of the Phillips the
alter of this city and was going in the
same direction as the automobile. In
order to prevent striking the vehicle,
Hodges, who was going at a rapid rate
swung the big car around to the right,
over the embankment and to his
death
Machine Turns Turtle.
The automobile turned turtle pin
ming Hodges beneath the wreckage.
Assistance was immediately summon
ed and the young man was removed
from the ruins but life was almost ex-
tinct and he died before medical aid
could be summoned. 1t was thought
the young mans back was broken but
and investigation revealed the fact
that no bones were broken Death
was probably due. it is said to the
compression of the steering wheel on
the mans heart and internal injuries.
The machine was badly demolished
but not beyond repair. Hodges was
Immediately removed to the home of
A. B. Hiser and Coroner A. L. Bram-
kamp was notified. DR.. Bramkamp
visited the scene of the accident to-
day and will, in all probability re-
turn verdict that death was due to
accident.
The fact that Minger. who was seat
ed in the front seat with Hodges, es-
capped uninjured is considered remark.
able. He was probably saved from
the fate Of his unfortunate companion
by his quick act in jumping as the au-
tomobile shot over the embankment in
it's tragic leap.
Only 20 Years Old.
Hodges is about &c years of age and
is unmarried. He was employed as
travelling representative for the A. O.
Morris wholesale house of Knights
town. He resided with his mother.
Mrs. Clara Hodges in that city. Two
sisters, Mrs. Letha Cox of Knights
town, and Mrs. Gay Jackson of New
Castle. also survive him. The young
mans mother was notified of the
tragic death of her son shortly after
the accident took place and was al.
most Frustrated with grief. She is in
a serious condition it is said.
The unfortunate victim of the sad
affair was enroute from Knightstown
to Centerville where he intended visit
ing some relatives over night. He met
Minger on the road and asked him to
ride with him. the invitation being
readily accepted. Hodges was ex-
tremely popular in his home city,
where the news of his untimeIy death
occasioned great rcgret and was Sc
we're shock to his many friends. The
body will probably be shipped to
Knightstown today. after the coroner
completes his inve stigation, for funer-
al services and burial.