Car-Bike Collision Injuries Fatal to Garry Harmon, 17

Garry Lee Harmon, 17 year-old East Richland High School junior, received fatal injuries at 5:10 p.m. yesterday evening, November 12, 1956, when the bicycle he was riding collided head-on with a car on State Route 130 in south-west Olney. The car was driven by Neil Jorgenson, 21 of Noble.

According to city police, who investigated the fatal accident, the car, a 1953 Ford, was passing a truck, driven by Tom Bowling of Olney, on Route 130 near Hollister St., just south of the B & O viaduct. The car collided head-on with the bicycle, being operated by young Harmon. The bicycle was traveling south and the car was proceeding north. The bike hit the car near the right front bumper and fender. The Harmon boy was thrown into the air and then struck the windshield of the Jorgenson auto. The victim was then thrown into a ditch, apparently as Jorgenson applied the brakes.

Harmon was rushed to the Richland Memorial Hospital by ambulance, where the injuries proved fatal a short time after arrival.

Authorities said darkness had fallen when the accident happened and the bicycle was not lighted. An inquest into the fatal accident started at 1 o’clock this afternoon at the Richland County Courthouse, conducted by Deputy Coroner, Robert Schaub.

Garry was a stalwart on the East Richland High School track team last year and played on the football team during his sophomore year. He was quiet in his manners and was well-liked by his schoolmates and teammates. Young Harmon was considered an excellent sportsman during last year’s track season.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clint Harmon, who live on W. Hollister St. in southwest Olney and a brother, Craig. Also his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Harmon of Olney.

Funeral services held in the Memorial Chapel of Summers-Wilson Funeral Home with Brother William Reed in charge. Burial in Haven Hill Cemetery.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) – Tuesday, November 13, 1956