Killed by a watermelon

One for the weird death file.

1924: Thomas Collins, 21-years-old, drove by a farmer with a truck full of watermelons and called out to the farmer to toss him one. The farmer obliged. The watermelon landed on Collins' head, snapped his neck, and killed him instantly.

Louisville Courier-Journal - Sep 28, 1924

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Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over forty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. Contact Us

Posted By: Alex - Sun Sep 11, 2016
Category: Death | 1920s

Comments

Wow, a classic case of be careful what you ask for.

Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 09/11/16 at 10:25 AM

With enough lawyers these days, the farmer would be sued and restitution paid to the melon-catcher's family.

Posted by Greg on 09/11/16 at 04:02 PM

Alex, how did you find this gem?

Posted by ges on 09/12/16 at 08:10 AM

Brings to mind an Old Elvin Bishop tune:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBP7jPFtmRk

Posted by KDP on 09/12/16 at 08:21 AM

When I read the title I first thought Gallagher had a fatal mishap during a performance.

Posted by BrokeDad in Midwest US on 09/12/16 at 04:24 PM

ges -- too much time spent browsing old newspapers.

Posted by Alex on 09/12/16 at 08:03 PM

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