Henry Dean Slips, Dies When Gun Discharges While Hunting, 1917

“Killed by Accidental Discharge of Gun,” from The Robesonian, Lumberton, N.C., Monday, December 17, 1917

Mr. Henry Dean of Red Springs Killed While Hunting—Theory Is He Slipped on Ice and Gun Was Discharged by Striking Cross-Tie

Mr. Henry Dean, aged about 18 years, of Red Springs was killed by the accidental discharge of his gun while out hunting Thursday afternoon. When Mr. Dean failed to return home Thursday night a party of Red Springs citizens went in search of him and soon found his body lying cold in death beside the railroad track on a trestle crossing the Big Raft Swamp near Red Springs. It is thought Mr. Dean slipped on the snow and his gun struck a cross tie in a manner in which it was discharged. The load entered his head. No inquest was deemed necessary.

Deceased was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Dean of Red Springs and was engaged in the mercantile business. He was prominent in the business and social life of Red Springs and had many friends.