George Darnell

The Payette Independent
Thursday, November 28, 1929

GEORGE DARNELL ELECTROCUTED

FRUITLAND MAN KILLED WHILE TRYING TO PUT OUT FIRE ON POWER LINE POLE

George Darnell, ditch rider for the Farmers' ditch company, was instantly killed Monday morning by contacting with the current of a power line. He was burning trash along the ditch and when an electric power line pole caught fire he went to the ditch and brought a bucket of water with which to extinguish the flames. In throwing the water against the pole contact was formed, as water is a conductor, and the current passed through his body killing him instantly. The hand which held the water bucket and one of his heels, in which there were heavy nails, were burned, showing that the current passed through the body from the hand to the foot. His helper was near by and saw the accident and his body fall, but when he reached the unfortunate man life was extinct.

Mr. Darnell had been a ditch rider on this irrigation system which carries water past New Plymouth to Fruitland and was a faithful worker and a good, clean citizen. The suddenness of his death was a great shock to everybody as he was well known and highly respected.

The Payette Independent (Thursday, December 05, 1929)

Obituary

George Darnell was born in Madison county, Wisconsin, October 2, 1862, and died November 25, 1929, at the age of 67 years, one month and 25 days. He was married to Miss Ida Roberts in Springview, Nebraska, March 23, 1886. they made their home there 8 years, then moved to Baker, Oregon where they lived four years, and from there to the Payette valley where they have lived for the past 32 years.

He is survived by his widow, one daughter, Mrs. Dan Langlitz of New Plymouth; three sons, Glenn Darnell of New Plymouth, Roy Darnell of Fruitland, and Ross Darnell of St Johns, British Columbia, Canada. another son, Danny, preceded him in death in 1911. He leaves one brother at Springview, Nebraska, also a large circle of friends who were greatly shocked and grieved at the sad news of his death. He was one of the most liked and most highly respected citizens of the community.

Funeral services were held from the Congregational church in New Plymouth Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 conducted by Rev. Paul Iverson of Ontario. Interment was made in Park View cemetery. The Modern Woodman Lodge of which he was a member attended in a body and conducted the services at the cemetery.

The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved family.