Young Farmer Struck by Engine at Neosho Rapids--Find Body Five HoursLater.
Special to the Gazette:
Neosho Rapids, April 14.--Fred F. Van Gundy, only son of Mr. and Mrs.W. W. Van Gundy, who live one mile west of town, was killed by a SantaFe train about midnight. The body was found at 5:30 o'clock thismorning by a freight train brakeman.
The accident occurred 300 to 400 yards west of the station, between atool house and a crossing. Van Gundy's head was nearly severed fromhis body. His right arm also was torn off and he suffered internalinjuries.
Three trains, number 11 a passenger and two freights went throughNeosho Rapids between midnight and 6 o'clock, J. F. Lynn, day agent atthe Santa Fe in Neosho Rapids, said today.
It is thought Van Gundy was killed by number 11, a passenger, whicharrives in Neosho Rapids about 12 o'clock and arrives in Emporia at12:20 o'clock. One freight train went through Neosho Rapids at 1:50o'clock and another at 3:07 o'clock.
At the point where Van Gundy was killed are three tracks and it isthought the victim might have thought he was on a switch when he wason the main track. Number 11 does not slow up through Neosho Rapids,and the place where Van Gundy was thrown shows he was on the oppositeside of the train from the engineer in his cab.
After the body was found W. D. Hunt, coroner, was called from Emporiaand an inquest was held this morning in the Santa Fe station in NeoshoRapids. The verdict was that Van Gundy met his death by being hit by atrain.
Van Gundy left home about 7 o'clock Monday night to spend the eveningin town as was his custom, it developed at the inquest. R. E. Powers,night agent at the Santa Fe, said he saw Van Gundy at the city well at10 o'clock and at that time Van Gundy was alone.
J. B. Gordon testified at the inquest that he saw Van Gundy at 11:30o'clock and that Van Gundy said he was going to the station to talk tothe agent.
After the inquest the body was taken to the McVey Undertaking parlorsin Lebo. Funeral arrangements have not been made.
Van Gundy was 30 years old and lived and work[ed] on his father'sfarm. He was not married. He was born in Lyon county. Van Gundy was anephew of Mrs. A. G. Fish of Emporia.
