A CHAMPION DIVER’S END.

Evening Star, Issue 10399, 21 August 1897, Page 4 (Supplement)

A CHAMPION DIVER’S END.

Tommy Burns, “champion bridge jumper and high diver of the world,” had his last jump on Tuesday (reports a London paper of July 10), having met with his death whilst endeavoring to perform one of those foolhardy feats for which he has made himself, notorious during the past few years. Burns had engaged to give a swimming exhibition at the pier head at Rhyl, and afterwards to run a distance ot six miles and then dive from a height of lOOfc. He put in an appearance at the pier early in the morning, but at two o’clock, the time appointed for the he could not* be found near the place. He was subsequently discovered by the pier officials and taken to the pier, but it was evident that he was in an advanced state of intoxication. Nevertheless, ho determined to dive from the top of a specially erected stage 100 ft high,_ despite the fact that a very strong wind was blowing and a high sea running. He made the dive shortly after three o’clock, but the spectators were greatly surprised to see him turn upon his back when about 20ft from the water. He fell into the sea flat upon his back, and scarcely sank at all. Quickly regaining his head he swam away, but he did not appear to be at ease. He continued to ■ swim about for half an hour or so, and then, as he appeared to be in an exhausted state, Professor Baum went to his assistance, and was quickly followed by Mr A. M'Oann, of Rhyl. Both did their beat to get Burns to land, and a boat was also launched. By this time Burns seemed to have succumbed, and his lifeless body was dragged up to the pier by means of ropes. All possible efforts were made'to restore animation, but they failed. An inquest was held the following day. The evidence as to deceased’s condition before • making the dive was somewhat contradictory. The medical evidence showed that death was due to concussion of the brain. The jury returned a verdict of “ Accidental ■ death,” and recommended that a boat should - be provided at the pier on the occasion of such performances.