Olney Man’s Dive Fatal – John McWilliams Death Accidental

A jury, under the direction of Coroner Ralph King, yesterday held accidental the death of John Ralph McWilliams, 21, who died here Tuesday, June 13, 1939 of a broken neck received Saturday in a dive into shallow water.

With five other men, including his uncle and employer, Ralph McWilliams, Olney township highway commissioner, the young man was on a fishing trip to the Embarrass River, 10 miles northeast of here. Young McWilliams dived into three feet of water and was rescued by companions who noticed his distress.

He was brought to the Olney Sanitarium later Saturday night. Relatives believed Monday that the injuries would not prove fatal, but he died Tuesday night.

McWilliams leaves his wife, Atta Lucille Woods McWilliams, who he married in 1938 and a small daughter, Donna; also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry McWilliams of Dundas and two brothers, Charles of Watertown, Wisc. And George of Dundas.

Funeral services and burial were conducted in Dundas Thursday afternoon.

Published in The Decatur Daily Review (IL) – Thursday, June 15, 1939