TRAGIC DEATH

Hokitika Guardian, 21 December 1927, Page 2

TRAGIC DEATH

OK BLUK SB KB NAT IV K. (By Telegraph—Per Press Assoeiation. GISBORNE, Dec. 20. The death occurred this afteinSfn under tragic circumstances, of .Air John James Keane, engineer to the Cook County Council. In July last a cloud burst enveloped the AVaiinata Valley some fourteen miles from Gisborne, and amongst other damage, washed away a bridge. 1 bis bridge was replaced a few weeks ago by a temporary low-level structuie. To course of road inspection work to-day Air Keane bad to cross this new bridge. A member of County Council, J. Tombleson, was about to cross the bridge this afternoon, when lie noticed Air Keane’s car balanced oil the side of the bridge, with the front and rear left wheels hanging over the water, and the left-hand door open and the engine still running. Air Keane’s hat was seen in the water, and a few minutes later his body was recovered, lying in four feet of water. Air Keane liad lately been in ill-health, and on more than one occasion recently, bad a

seizure, one seizure occurring at a recent meeting of the County Council, when Air Keane was immediately granted leave to recuperate. It is believed that he lmd another seizure near, or on the bridge to-day, and fell through the door into the liver. Deceased, who was fifty-one years of age, was one of the most buddy respected men in the district, and was popular with all classes ot the community. He had been County Engineer for nearly twenty years, lie leaves a widow and family of two children.

The deceased was a native ol Blue Spur and resided in this district in his early days. He was a son of Airs Keane, of Park Street, and beside n wife and family, leaves four sisters (Airs Black, of Ross, Airs AY right, of Pukokura, Airs Linstrom, of Blenheim, and Aliss Kate Keane, of Hokitika) and two brothers (George, at Gisborne, and Thomas, of the Railway permanent stall'. Hokitika). The deceased was in Hokitika in August last on a health recruiting visit. Deep sympathy will be extended to the mother and relatives in the smkfen bereavement.