South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-10-26
JAMES COOK KILLED
BY PASSENGER TRAIN
Drives Machine Through 20
Foot Freight Train at Byr-
kit AV. Crossing.

James Cook. the 19-year old son Of
Fred Cook of three miles southeast of
Nishawaka, was instantly killed
Tuesday morning about O'Clock at
the Byrkit av. crossing Of the New
York Central tracks when he was
struck by a fast west bound passen-
ger train.
Cook was on his way into the city
to work and was riding a motorcycle.
Due TO the fact that there are no
warning signals Of any description at
this crossing and almost no view OF
the east or west bound main tracks,
IS said to have been the cause OF
Cook losing his life.
According to the police, a freight
train just previous 10 the accident
pulled in on a siding just south of
the main track. Here the train split
for the crossing leaving a % foot
opening. This left practically no
view Of the main tracks TO anyone
approaching from the south.
1t was estimated that the passenger
train was running at speed OF be-
tween so and 90 miles an hour when
it struck Cooks machine as the en-
gineer was unable to stop until ne
reached the Merrifield aV. crossing
several blocks west OF Byrkit av.
>
OF % feet while the machine was
scattered in small pieces to where the
train stopped at Merrifield av. His
body was not cut by the wheels OF
the train, but nearly every bone was
broken while the back part Of his
head was partially crushed. 1t is
said that witnesses Of the accident,
employed in the plant OF the AmpleX
Co, stated that the engineer of the
Z r., in fol to oil "A n
warning by blowing the whistle OF
the engine. 1t was thought by some
that Cook was aware of the oncom-
ing train Just a moment before riding
onto the tracks as he appeared 10
stop his machine, according to some
Of the factory men.
The only eye witness of the acct
dent was James Beard, student re-
siding at 11O5 +. Fourth st. Beard
was just entering the cellar of his
home from the outside when ne
CHANGED TO look toward the crossing
a short distance away and saw the
accident. 1t is said that he was un-
able TO say whether the engineer is
sued a warning or not
Mr. Cook is well known among the
I younger generation Of Mishawaka
| He was a graduate of the Mishawaka
| high school last year and was en-
/ bank since last July. He was active
! in many social organizations here.
He was born at the Cook home
stead southeast of the city and has
resided there all his life. He was
! born May 22. 1896 and is survived by
his father, Fred -. Cook, one sister
Mrs. Glenn Fulmer of southeast of the
| city and one half-brOther Robert AT
/ home.
Coroner T. ]. Swantz Of South Bend
came to Mishawaka shortly after the
! accident occurred and examined the
remains. He also investigated and
gave a verdict of accidental death.
The Byrkit av. crossing has beer
I considered a most dangerous place
! for several years and for the past
two years the matter of compelling
the New York Central to place a
Waterman or a bell at the crossing
has been discussed by the common
council and the board OF public
works. Just recently an auto truck
4 belonging to the Foster Machine and
Tool Co. of Elkhart was struck and
completely wrecked by an east bound
| passenger train. The driver was un-
| injured as he had time TO jump.