A Loaded Rifle Turns a Spokane Hunting Trip Into a Fatal Accident

Another family is called upon to report a frightful accident by which a man is without warning sent to his grave, and mourns the gun that was thought not to be loaded. Last Saturday, between 11 and 12 o’clock in the morning, Warren Clark, a gentleman who recently arrived in this city and who was looking for an opportunity to invest capital, was returning from a hunt on the Hangman’s hills in company with two other young men. When within a mile of this city a prairie chicken was observed near a tree along the roadside. One of the boys got out of the wagon for the purpose of shooting the bird. Mr. Clark remained back in the wagon to secure his rifle, intending, no doubt, to try a long range. When the weapon was charged, the bullet tore through his body from under the right arm. The young man on the seat with Clark rolled to his companion, and the two lifted Clark to the ground. He never spoke afterward and died in ten minutes. The remains were brought to this city, where the unfortunate young man had a few slight acquaintances, and were buried Tuesday. Very little information could be gleaned as to Mr. Clark’s history. It is known that he had some means, owning valuable timber claims on the Sound. He also had a small store in one of the Sound towns. It is one of those accidents reported in the public print every day, that men will jeopardize their lives by the careless handling of firearms, but the lesson will seldom be learned. The same old story will continue to be repeated over and over, and our advice for all time remains the same.