UNLUCKIEST MAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23879, 1 February 1941, Page 2 (Supplement)

UNLUCKIEST MAN

Fanner Involved in 200 Accidents

r |X~) James Geelan, an American farmer, surely belongs the unenviable distinction of being the unluckiest person in the world. During his 50 years Mr. Geelan has had upward of 200 accidents, and it seems that his run of bad luck is not yet ended, for not long ago he was involved in a car crash, which meant another spell in hospital. Because lie had been involved in so many automobile accidents the unlucky farmer sold his car, thinking he would bo safer walking. The very first day In 1 walked into town, however, he was knocked over by a tram and seriously injured. Struck by Lightning On another occasion Mr. Geelan fell and broke both arms while engaged on a simple task around his farm. While sheltering from a storm, too, he was badly hurt when the barn in which lie was taking refuge was struck by lightning. .Mr. Geelan does not go round looking for trouble, for he takes special precautions to try to ensure his safety. Ho seems to be 'just naturally unlucky.

Things have reached the stage that the company with which he was insured refused to renew his accident policy, for they had to pay out on 12 major claims in live years. Recently Mr. Geelan spoke on the American radio, giving an account of his many accidents. So his bad luck at least brought him a measure of fame, although most people would be quite content to remain unlucky without the distinction of being the world's uuluckiest man.