INQUEST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19358, 13 July 1925, Page 4

INQUEST

A GALLANT ACTION. An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Sam Womi was conducted by the Citv Coroner (Mr J. S. Barton, S.M.), on Saturday. Medical testimony was given by Dr. Adams, who stated that at the time deceased fell into the river he (witness) was passing over the Town Bridge and was notified of the accident. The deceased. on being taken from the river, was bleeding at the mouth, and bore evidence of contusion on the side of his head. Deceased impressed witness as suffering from heart trouble. In the opinion of witness, death was due to collapse, following shock consequent < n a blow on the head, sustained wh:l*t falling. At the conclusion of hi> e> idence, Dr. Adams observed that h« wished to express his appreciation "f Mr F. O’Keefe, who recovered Mr Woon from the water. Mr O’Keefe’' part in th*' rescue was a gallant effort. Mr O’Keefe, who is a waterside worker, said in his evidence t ot just before mid-day he saw the deceased approach the Town Wharf. Some lit He time later, witness fancied ho saw fin object go over the wharf, and on invr* tigation noticed the deceased in the water. Witness, on seeing a man in t; e river, immediately dived in and took hold of deceased as he was about to sink, and swam with him to the land ing, where he was rendered assistance. Woon never at any moment struggle'From the time witness dived in till lu* removed deceased to the landing, a min ute did not elapse. Evidence was also given l>v C nstabbRogers, who stated that Woon died while he was lying on the wharf after his immersion. In the opinion of witness, Mr O’Keefe, in effecting the rescue, passed through a trying ordeal, particularly in view of the temperature of the water at the time. A verdict in accordance with the i medical evidence was returned.