Wortham, Sam

Galena Kansas, Apr 26 Sam Wortham was fatally injured, Lester Lyerla was seriously injured and a third man, whose name was not learned, received slight injuries, when they were caught in the path of a huge boulder which rolled off the stope at the Crestline Product Company's mine, near Crestline Kansas shortly after 11 am this morning.

Wortham was rushed to St. John's hospital at Joplin Missouri in an ambulance of the Clark undertaking company, where he died at 1:30 pm this afternoon. Wortham was crushed below the waist.

Employed as Shoveler

According to information received here, Wortham, who was a shoveler, was taking out a can of dirt when the accident occurred. He was walking in a stooped position which his back to the stope, when the huge boulder came hurtling down upon him. Nine men were required to lift the boulder from the injured man.

Lester Lyerla, who was working nearby, suffered serious injuries to his back and hips. He was brought to the office of C. H. Jones, Galena, where his injuries were attended, and later was taken to his home in Galena Heights. Dr. Jones said tonight that the extent of Lyerla's injuries could not be determined at the present, probably not for several days.

The other man injured was attended by Dr. Jones. His injuries were of a minor nature.

Wortham was 27 years old and had lived in this vicinity all of his life. He had been residing with his father, C. M. Wortham, at Crestline Kansas. Besides his father, he is survived by a widow; four brothers, David Wortham and Joe Wortham of Galena; Lee Wortham and Charles Wortham of Louisville Kentucky, and four sisters, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Maud Pruett and Mrs. Mary Lyerla of Galena, and Mrs. Susan Russ of Kansas City. Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but probably will be held Thursday.