A fatal accident occurred on the Alaska Highway Tuesday night the other side of Swift River causing the death of John Forrester, a truck driver operating on his own account for the B. Y. N. Co.
Information on the fatality is meagre as we go to press due to the fact that the parties responsible for taking Forrester to Watson Lake have not yet returned to town. It is stated, however, that it is believed the accident was due to faulty brakes. When it occurred Forrester jumped, as he thought, to safety and when picked up later was found to be suffering from both external and internal injuries from which he succumbed before the parties who found him reached Watson Lake. His truck was left standing on the highway. It was probably this fact which led to his discovery. The body has been brought to Whitehorse for burial. No inquest is deemed necessary.
We are informed that Forrester originates from Hungary and came to Canada when he was about 16 years of age, and is now about 39. For some years he was employed by
the Edmonton Bulletin and when the construction of the Alaska Highway was commenced, he purchased a truck which he operated on his own account. He has been in and around Whitehorse for the past four years. There are no relatives in Canada but he is stated to have a sister and brother in Hungary.
The deceased was well regarded by all who knew him in this community and his untimely death is a distinct shock to his many friends here.
Stop Press: We have just learned the cause of the accident was due to brakes jamming. The truck struck some boulders and the steering wheel crushed Forrester who suffered internal injuries. He did not jump off the truck but got out on to the roadway where he was picked up. Funeral services will be held at Christ Church tomorrow at 2 p. m.
The Whitehorse Star - Friday, May 3, 1946
Funeral services for the late John Forrester, who was accidentally killed on the Alaska Highway last week, were held at Christ Church on Saturday. The Rev. Canon L. G. Chappell officiated.
The pallbearers were Messrs. W. J. (Bill) Roberts of Edmonton, Alta., who made all the necessary funeral arrangements, Tony Riba, Ed. Morgan, Ed. Jacobs, Andy Jacobs and George Ryder. Interment was in the local cemetery. Many friends of the deceased were in attendance at the services.
