Highlights of History from The Whitehorse Star

The Whitehorse Pioneer Cemetery

The Whitehorse Star - Friday, September 15, 1950

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    A tragic accident at the 12 mile hill on the Alaska Highway took the life of a Whitehorse man and injured 4 others last Sunday evening.

    Killed was William David Powell, age 34, of Whitehorse, Y.T. Injured were Mrs. Gladys Powell, Mr. Nels. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. E. Westberg, all of Whitehorse.

    According to eye witnesses, the party were returning to Whitehorse travelling South, when the half ton pick-up driven by Nels Johnson and carrying the four passengers, failed to make-a turn at the 12 mile hill. Heavy dust on the road is believed to have obscured the drivers vision. The truck plunged down the deep ditch and turned somersault, throwing Mr. and Mrs. Powell over the cab. They landed some distance away, striking the ground hard. Mrs. Powell received lacerations to the face and severe bruises. The other three who were riding in the cab of the truck received bruises and were shaken up.

    Mr. Powell has lived in Whitehorse for the past six years and was employed by John MacIsaac Co. He is survived by his wife Gladys in Whitehorse.

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The Whitehorse Star - Friday, September 15, 1950

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    An estimated 100 people attended the funeral of William Powell, killed in a highway accident Sunday.

    The services were held in the Elks Temple with Brother Ted Pinchin and Bill Hancock officiating. The Reverend Stanger conducted the services.

    The procession was led by the hearse and followed by 50 members of the Elks. Burial took place in the Elks plot at the Whitehorse cemetery.

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The Whitehorse Star - Friday, September 29, 1950

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    A jury of 6 residents brought in an accidental death decision last Friday, after hearing cirumstances leading up to the accident on the Alaska Highway.

    According to Nels Johnson, driver of the light pick-up, the party left Whitehorse to proceed to the Hot Springs, but after meeting Mr. Johnson's son in law on the road and hearing of the condition of the Hot Springs road decided to turn back. Mr. Johnson said he was travelling at a moderate rate but the road was very dusty. When they reached the 12 mile hill his truck hit loose gravel and he lost control. The truck ran off the highway and plunged down an 8 ft. ditch, throwing Mr. and Mrs. Powell over the cab.

    Mr. Powell was knocked unconscious and suffered an injury behind his left ear which affected the brain. He died in hospital the next day.