SUDDEN DEATH AT ST. GEORGE’S HALL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5184, 2 November 1877, Page 3

SUDDEN DEATH AT ST. GEORGE’S HALL.

A few minutes before 10 o’clock last night, as the first act of the burlesque of “ Ali Baha” » was being performed at St. George’s Hall, Mr. Charles Keeley, the leading comedian, who was taking his partin the piece, and playing it remarkably well, was seen, as he left the stage at the close of the first act, to stagger as if in a fainting fit. Assistance was at once rendered, and an attempt was made to get him to swallow a little brandy and water; but he could only touch it with his lips, and was evidently dying. He- was removed to the lower room of the building, and medical aid was procured ; but on the arrival of Dr. Bradford, who came almost immediately, life was pronounced extinct. Mr. Keeley never spoke after leaving the stage. He leaves a wife, but, we understand, no family. Immediately after the melancholy occurrence Mr. Cary, the manager, announced that there would be no further performance that evening, nor on the following one. Mr. Keeley was much liked and esteemed by his colleagues, and was a decided favorite with the public, and quite a gloom was cast over the members of the profession when they heard last night what had taken place. An inquest will be held in all probability to-day. The deceased was about thirty years of age, and had suffered from heart disease for some time.