House Collapses Killing One, Injuring Three

Nephi - A 71 year old man was killed and three other persons injured yesterday at 4:45 p.m. when a house, being moved onto a new foundation, collapsed.

Killed was:
Isaac Olsen, 71, a farmer.

Injured were:
Clead Blackett, 30, who suffered a broken back.
Mrs. Nida Olsen Neff, who received a fractured ankle.
Burkley Neff, &, who received minor buises.

According to investigators, the home was being moved from Topaz to Nephi and was being placed on the foundation when it collapsed. The house had been purchased by Lester Neff, husband of Mrs. Neff and father of Burkley Neff.

Mr. Olsen was struck by timber and other materials and died instantly of a fractured skull and broken back. Mr. Blackett was taken to the Veterans Hospital in Salt Lake City and was in "fair" condition this morning. Mrs. Neff was taken to Payson hospital for treatment.

Mr. Neff was outside the building when the structure gave way and escaped injury. The child was under the house, but was not seriously hurt.

Mr. Olsen was born at Moroni June 26, 1875, and came to Nephi about five years ago. He married Vernie Christensen February 25, 1902. He was a member of the LDS Church.

Surviving are his widow, the following son and daughters, Sherman Olsen, Ephraim; Mrs. Elsie Johnson, Mrs. Velda Lee Reid and Mrs. Nida Neff, Nephi; Mrs. Naomi Jorgensen, Ivy Olsen and Mrs. Moniel Johansen, Mt. Pleasant; Mrs. James F. Jordan, Salt Lake City; Mrs. Ruby Anderson, Greenriver, and 25 grandchildren.

"The Deseret News" Salt Lake City, Utah 4/17/1947 Page 9

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The building had been moved from the Topaz War Relocation center to Nephi by Lester Neff, husband and father of two of the injured, for reassembly and remodeling. It had been blocked up, and skidded onto a prepared foundation. The group was attempting to place the house squarely on its foundation when it collapsed. Mr. Neff was outside the building when it fell.

The accident was investigated by Udell R. Jensen, city attorney. He said it is unlikely that an inquest will be held.

Mr. Olsen was born June 26, 1875, at Moroni, a son of Swen and Mary Westergard Olsen. He lived in Moroni until about five years ago when he moved to Nephi. He was a farmer.

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Funeral Services for Isaac Olsen, 71, who died instantly Wednesday when crushed beneath the timbers of a collapsing house, will be conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Nephi Third ward chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, by J. Ivan Tew, Bishop.

Burial will be in the Vine Bluff Cemetery. Friends may at the Anderson funeral home Saturday from 10 a.m. to time of services.

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Contributor Sandra C. Watkins Best