W.U. Nelson Killed In Local Yards
Telocaset Operator Meets With Terrible Accident While Riding Freight
W.U. Nelson, a relief operator on trick No. 2, at Telocaset, was run over by a freight car early Monday morning, and died about fifteen minutes later. The accident took place near the Union Pacific water tank in the North Powder yards. Just how the accident happened will forever remain a mystery, as when Nelson was picked up by the trainmen he was unable to give a coherent account of the accident.
Nelson quit his duties at Telocaset at midnight, and when a freight train came by shortly afterward, caught it. It is supposed the train was moving so fast for him to take chances on catching the caboose so he managed to get on a car in the middle of the train. When the engine slowed up to take water at the North Powder tank it is further supposed that he was getting off the car to walk back to the caboose when the accident took place. One of his legs was completely severed, the wheels of the car passed over the groin as well. The man screamed loud enough for the trainmen to hear and going to the scene of the trouble found him there. His condition was beyond human aid and he expired about fifteen minutes later. He left Telocaset with the intention of being with his wife, who resides in Baker.
The deceased was but 24 years of age and is survived by a widow of Baker; three sisters: Mrs. H.C. Youngdoff, Houston, Texas; Peachye and Helen Nelson, San Antonio, Texas, and three brothers, W.G. Nelson and Samuel Nelson, of San Antonio and A.M. Nelson, of Duncan, Oregon.
The body was taken to Texas for burial.
North Powder News
Saturday, November 29, 1924