WAGNER

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Monday, June 16, 2014 at 06:59:53 :

San Rafael Independent
Friday, September 30, 1927
Page 2

Killed When Auto Overturns On Grade
Victim Leaps to Death as Machine Plunges Off Highway Into Ditch

Jumping from an automobile as their machine plunged off the highway into a deep gully at the side of the road on the Puerto Suella grade, north of San Rafael, Mrs. Annie Wagner of 15 Nebraska avenue, San Francisco, was instantly killed on Wednesday afternoon. In falling, the woman struck her head on the pavement, and she was dead when picked up by passing motorists.

According to Charles Simonis of 2025 Thirty-sixth avenue, Oakland, with whom Mrs. Wagner was riding at the time of the fatal accident, the universal joint of the drive shaft of the car broke as the machine was descending the grade, and in turn broke the break (sic) rod of the car. The machine, beyond control of the driver, ran off the highway and plunged into the gully, turning over twice. Simonis, who was in the car when it turned over, escaped with a few minor bruises.

Witnesses of the accident notified the coroner’s office, and the body was removed to the morgue in San Rafael by Deputy Coroner Harry M. Williams. Examination indicated that death had been caused by concussion of the brain.

Mrs. Wagner was the widow of William F. Wagner, formerly a deputy state fish and game commissioner, who died about a year ago. According to Simonis, who had been a friend of the family for many years, Mrs. Wagner leaves a son and a grandson. The latter made his home with Mrs. Wagner in San Francisco. Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been completed. An inquest will be held in the case by Coroner J. Ray Keaton, although there is no question that the accident was unavoidable.

Traffic Officer Earl Storey of San Anselmo was notified of the accident by a motorist who saw the car overturn, and he made a fast run to the scene to render any aid possible. On his return, Storey, at the request of Deputy Coroner Williams, sent a wrecking car from Castro’s Garage to the scene of the accident to remove the wrecked machine.