3 MEN ELECTROCUTED AT PARAGOULD , ARK.

APRIL 5 , 1954

TRANSCRIBED BY : TINA EASLEY

06/03/2005

THREE COUNTY WORKERS DIED OF ELECTRIC SCHOCK NEAR JOPLIN , MISSOURI THIS AFTERNOON WHEN A DRAGLINE ON WHICH THEY WERE WORKING TOUCHED A POWER LINE.

THE DEAD :

WILLIE COX . ABOUT 50 , A FORMAN OF THE CREW ; C.H. GRAFTONREED , 55 ; AND OTIS SIMS , 60 ALL OF GREENE COUNTY , ARKANSAS .

WITNESSES SAID COX BACKED A TRUCK-TOWED DRAGLINE INTO THE POWER LINE AND WHEN HE STEPPED TO THE GROUND HE WAS KILLED INSTANTLY. WHEN COX FELL BACK AGAINST THE TRUCK. GRAFTONREED AND SIMS TRIED TO PULL HIM AWAY AND WERE KILLED IN THE PROCESS.

FUTHER DETAILS WERE UNAVAILABLE.

#Note - Willie Cox B. Aug 4, 1905 D. Apr 15 1954 buried Liberty Cemetery.   C. H. Graftonreed  ?  can't  find him .   Otis Dan Sims B. May 24,1895 D. Apr 15, 1954 buried Pine Knot Cemetery  

Research done By : Gerald Scott , Thank You !

JOPLIN GLOBE 1954