This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Darnell Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/5d.2ADI/3618 Message Board Post: The Payette Independent Payette, Idaho 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.