Counter, Kermit (Died 1933)

COUNTER

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/5/2009 at 19:44:16

LeMars Globe-Post
September 7, 1933

FATHER OF NINE KILLED BY TRUCK
Kermit Counter Killed South of Merrill on Highway

Walking home from Leeds early yesterday morning, after the old car in which
he was accustomed to go to work at Leeds had stalled, Kermit Counter, 35,
the father of nine children, was hit and instantly killed by a truck a mile
and a half of Merrill, which was his home.

Counter’s body was discovered in the weeds along the road by a trucker about
7 o’clock this morning, who notified the Merrill police. Dr. F. G. Vernon
was immediately called, but the man was dead when found. Death was caused by
a fractured skull and a broken neck.

Merrill authorities notified coroner S.V. Luken and Sheriff R. E. Rippey.
The body was removed to LeMars. Coroner Luken examined the body and on the
right should found a place, which was evidently the point of impact in the
accident. From the height of the bruise, it was deduced that Counter had
been hit by the body of a truck traveling north at a high rate of speed, and
the driver evidently had not even paused to learn the fate of his victim.

Coroner Luken indicated that criminal charges will be placed against the
driver of the killer truck if he can be apprehended. A check of trucks
cleared out of the stock yards at Sioux City is now being made in the hope
that in this way a clue may be found.

If the truck can be found on which the structure of the front end of the box
fits the bruise made by the impact on Counter’s shoulder, the identification
would be as conclusive as fingerprints, it was said.

The Counter family originally came to Merrill from Mitchell, S.D., and is in
destitute circumstances, living in an old Standard Oil warehouse. Last
winter, when offered aid by the county, however, Counter said he would make
out somehow with his junking business. The family came to Merrill from
Mitchell, S. D.

County Coroner S. H. Luke and Sheriff R. E. Rippey were conducting an
investigation in Merrill this morning. No arrrests have been made as yet.
-----
Hinton Gazette, Sept. 7, 1933

KILLED BY TRUCK
Kermit Counter of Merrill was killed Wednesday when struck by a truck near
Merrill. His body was found along the highway Wednesday by a motorist who
notified county authorities. The deceased lived in Hinton for several
months, leaving here several months ago.