Killed By Slide

Robert Ward Caught In A Cave-In

Was Digging A Ditch

Employed with Crew Engaged in Removing Old Pipe for City Water Works Plant.

Robert C. Ward, aged 22 years, was instantly killed yesterday about 11 o'clock while employed with the crew of men engaged in removing old pipe from East Main street for the city. The young man was working in a ditch about five to six feet deep, when the bank caved away. He was caught beneath several tons of dirt, and while he was able to maintain an almost erect position, death had resulted instantly either from strangulation or from injuries received about the chest and neck.

County Coroner White was notified and arrived here last night on the Owl train for the purpose of arranging for the inquest which will be held today.

The accident occurred at a point just west of the Masonic Temple building. So soon as the cave-in occurred fellow workmen rushed to the assistance of Ward, and his head was placed free of the slide. At that time it was not believed he was fatally injured, but later investigation of the physicians disclosed that death had probably been instantaneous with contact with the cave-in. Drs. J. B. Morris and L. J. Perkins, of this city, and Dr. Herrington, of Gifford, were nearby when the accident happened and gave prompt attention to the case, but all efforts were fruitless.

Ward had resided in Lewiston for four years, having come to this place with his father, R. E. Ward, from Fertile, Minn. He was born in the vicinity of Fertile. His mother is residing at Winnipeg, Canada. A brother and sister residing at outside points have been notified and until they are heard from, the arrangements for the funeral will not be completed.

The deceased was a man of industrious habits and very well liked by all who knew him. The past winter he had been in ill health and was confined for a period at the St. Joseph hospital with an attack of typhoid-pneumonia.