Duffy, Mark Francis (1961-1981)

DUFFY, OCONNOR

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 1/10/2015 at 19:24:09

Daily Freeman Journal, Monday, February 2, 1981

One-car mishap fatal to W.C. youth

Another hospitalized in accident

Mark Francis Duffy, 19, 832 Division Street, was killed early Saturday morning when the vehicle he operated left a curve on the 1100 block of James Street and rolled several times. He was pinned beneath his late-model car and died of multiple injuries.

Joseph Wolfgram, 17, 1400 Second Street, suffered a severe head laceration during the accident and was taken to the Hamilton County Hospital by the Webster City Rescue Unit.

Wolfgram was listed in "good condition" this morning and may be released today, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Three passengers in the Duffy car left the scene of the accident before police arrived, but later provided details of the fatal crash. All three received minor injuries and were apparently treated by their personal physicians.

The youths, all juveniles, said the accident occurred after an evening of "cruising," police records indicate.

The police records state the group left Webster City at approximately 9:30 p.m. after several hours of "driving around town."

The youths reportedly went to Ames and apparently returned to Webster City at about 12:15 a.m. Saturday, according to police records.

Duffy was eastbound on James Street at a high rate of speed when he passed the other vehicle, witnesses said.

Duffy's car failed to negotiate a sharp curve after it passed the other vehicle and rolled three or four times, according to witnesses.

Two youths reportedly fled the scene of the accident before police arrived.

One passenger indicated he and the driver of the second vehicle unsuccessfully attempted to lift the car off Duffy.

The youth said he left with the driver of the second vehicle when police arrived.

All three offered their knowledge of the accident to police shortly after 8 a.m. Saturday.

Funeral services for Mark F. Duffy will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic church with Father Clarence Kruse of Williams officiating and with burial in Calvary cemetery, Webster City.

Rosary will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Foster Funeral Home.

Mark Francis Duffy, son of Martin and Geraldine O'Connor Duffy, was born May 17, 1961 at Webster City and was reared and educated in this community. He was a senior at Webster City high school.

He was a part-time employee of the Tasler Pallet and Lumber Co.

He is survived by his parents; three brothers and one sister, Martin J. Duffy, Jr., Webster City, Steven Duffy of Cedar Falls, Kevin Duffy, with the U.S. Army in Germany and Maureen Duffy, Webster City; his grandmother, Mrs. Mae Duffy of Clinton; one niece and one nephew.

He was a member of St. Thomas Catholic church and was active in the DECA program at the high school.