THE CINCINNATI ENQUIRER
July 27, 1954
Typed as published and submitted
By Gloria Buckle
January 28, 2002

Miscellaneous Obituaries from selected issues of Cincinnati Enquirer

Issue dated July 27, 1954 - page 1:2

HITCHHIKER, 13, Killed By Barrel, Which Falls With Him Off Truck He Tries To Hop In West End Street - A 13-year old West End boy was crushed to death last night when he pulled a 275-pound barrel from the rear of a tractor-trailer on which he was attempting to hitch a ride.
 Coroner Herbert P. Lyle was expected to rule today on whether the death would be listed as a 1954 Hamilton County traffic fatality.
 Highway Safety Patrolman Mathias Giwer said Charles Ross, 1153 Poplar St., and another youth tried to hitch a ride on a tractor-trailer operated by William E. Cole, 30, 1224 Livingston St., Covington.
 When the youth grabbed hold of the heavy barrel to pull himself up onto the trailer, his weight tipped the barrel over and both fell to the street in front of 1525 Wade St.
 The boy suffered a crushed skull and right leg injuries.  He died at 9:30 p.m., 20 minutes after he was taken to St. Mary Hospital.
 Cole told police he saw the boys dart into the street and attempt to hop onto his trailer.  However, before he could apply the brakes, the accident occurred.  Young Ross’ companion fled after the accident and police have been unable to locate him.
 The truck is the property of the Sims Motor Transport Co., 2144 Spring Grove Ave.  The barrel was said to have been filled with a chemical.