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14-YEAR OLD CROWLAND GIRL SHOT DEAD
[Welland Tribune October 18, 1943]
Tragic Accident Occurs When Brother and Sister Play with Guns
A 14-year-old Crowland girl lies dead as a result of a distressing shooting accident, caused when her brother fired a shotgun which, unknown to him, contained a shell.
The victim was Mary Chernish, daughter of Mr and Mrs Alec Chernish, 14 Southworth street.
Provincial Constable Almer McNamara investigated and told The Tribune that the tragedy occurred about 12.30 p.m.
Mary, 14, June, her 11-year-old sister and their brother, Henry, 16, were alone in the house at the time and Mary was playing with a B.B. gun which she was aiming at her brother, Constable McNamara stated. Joining in the fun, Henry procured a double-barrelled shotgun and aimed it at Mary. It discharged about eight feet from the girl and the unfortunate victim was struck in the chest.
Horrified, the youth called Welland County General hospital and an ambulance was dispatched to the home, but the girl was dead when it arrived.
Henry also summoned his father, who was at the plant of Atlas Steels Limited, on trucking work. The father had relieved his son at the plant at 11 a.m.
Coroner Dr. W.K. Colbeck was called and said the shooting was accidental. However, he declared that he would conduct an investigation.
Mary Chernish is survived by her parents and the following brothers and sisters, June, Henry, Jackie, Terry, Joseph and Dennis, at home; three in the army, Howard, John and George; Miss Agnes Chernish in Toronto, and a sister, Mrs Julius Smegata in Crowland.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed. The remains are resting at the J.J. Paterson and Sons funeral residence, 19 Young street.
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