Larry L. Austin
Sept. 9, 1939-Aug. 27, 1945
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, August 28, 1945, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
Boy Dies Under Truck's Wheels
Order Inquest Into Death of Austin Child
A seven-year-old Niles boy yesterday became Berrien county's 16th traffic victim of the year.
Larry L. Austin, son of Mrs and Mrs. A.J. Austin, 1204 Ferry street was struck and killed by a truck Monday afternoon . The accident occurred on Thirteenth street, between Sycamore and Ferry, when the Austin boy reportedly ran out into the street in front of a coal truck driven by Paul Rockwell, 22, 16 River street.
Just prior to the fatal accident, according to police reports, the boy had dodged out in front of an Associated Truck Driver's truck which was going north on Thirteenth street. The driver stopped and Austin ran back to the curb. When the Associated truck started up again he ran behind it and in front of the coal truck, which was traveling south. A front wheel passed directly over the boy's head.
Surviving besides the parents, are five sisters, Mary Eleanore, Marian, Edith, Audrey and Patricia; and two brothers, Johnny and Charles. Larry was born Sept. 9, 1939.
Funeral services will be held at Pifers funeral home Thursday at 3 p.m Rev. O.H. Gerstenkorn officiating. Burial will be at Silverbrook cemetery.
Rockwell was not held by police. However, a coroner's jury will meet on the case tonight and an inquest will be held Wednesday at the safety building, William Pifer, coroner said today.