Date of Newspaper Article: Unknown - Date of Accident - November 1, 1941
PEDESTRIAN KILLED ON HIGHWAY EAST 80 WHEN STRUCK BY CAR
William Pryor Whitaker of Stab Fatally Injured in Accident Near Buck Creek Bridge
DRIVER IS HELD BLAMELESS
While walking across the road near his home at 4:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon, William Pryor Whitaker, 68, Stab farmer, was struck by a car and fatally injured. The accident, said to have been unavoidable, occurred 100 yards west of Buck Creek bridge on Highway East 80. Driver of the car was Pearl Haunchell of Michigan, who brought his car to a stop 42 steps from the point where Whitaker was struck.
Whitaker, who had been milking his cows in a field across the road from his home, had started to the house, carrying a pail of milk. After waiting for one car to pass, he stepped directly into the path of the Haunchell machine, the driver told Sheriff James M. Beaty. Haunchell came to Somerset immediately after the accident and surrendered to the sheriff. He was released from custody after a jury impaneled by Corononer G. Shelby Griffin reported it believed the accident was unavoidable.
Carl Sears, who witnessed the accident, told Coroner Griffin that Whitaker was near the middle of the highway when he was hit and that in his opinion Haunchell could not avoid striking the man. Mr. Whitaker's neck and both legs were broken. He also suffered internal injuries. His death occurred a few minutes after the accident.
Deceased was a well known and respected citizen. He had engaged in farming for many years. Funeral services were held Monday morning at the Lick Creek Church of God. Burial was in the Lick Creek Cemetery. Surviving are his wife and several children.