Mr. and Mrs. Hayes Killed When Train Struck Their Car, Feb. 1, 1924

Double Tragedy at Holt Lake Crossing. . . Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Hayes Meet Death When Auto Is Struck by A.C.L. Train. . . Over 1,000 at Funeral

One of the most tragic accidents that has ever happened in this community occurred at the Railroad crossing at Holt Lake about three miles from this city Friday afternoon when the Ford car in which Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Hayes of near Four Oaks was struck by a train, killing instantly Mrs. Hayes, and inflicting injuries upon Mr. Hayes from which he died about two hours later.

Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, aged about 60 and 50 years respectively, had started home and had reached the Holt Lake crossing about three o’clock. According to eye witnesses, Mr. Hayes saw an approaching north bound freight, and stopped his car for the train to pass. As the last car moved away, he started his Ford across the track, when a southbound freight on the other track, which he could not see, hit the automobile with fatal results. The car was totally demolished. Messrs. Chester Ogburn and W.W. Jordan were witnesses to the tragic scene, which happened in a flash, and they together with the train crew soon brought assistance. The body of Mrs. Hayes was brought to the undertaking establishment here, while Mr. Hayes was rushed to the Smithfield Memorial hospital, where he died about two hours later. Mr. Hayes was conscious for some time after the accident happened, and had the presence of mind to inform attendants of $500 or more on the person of his wife. The money was found and deposited in a local bank.

The deceased are survived by two daughters, Mrs. Nathan Rhodes and Mrs. Jim Rhodes, who live near Oak Forest church.

A large number from Smithfield and elsewhere attended the double funeral and burial which took place Sunday afternoon. The funeral was directed by Mr. J.D. Underwood, the religious service being conducted by Rev. James. A. Ivey, pastor of Blackman’s Grove Baptist church. The funeral was held at the late home of the deceased, interment being made at the Robin Massengill cemetery. It was estimated that between 1,000 and 1,500 people attended the funeral. The pall bearers were Messrs. R.D. Massengill, Charley Adams, E.L. Johnson, W.O. Lee, B.A. Rich, Robert Johnson, Lundy Parker, Nogah (Noah?) Wood, J.M. Wood, B.W. McLamb, Burket Barbour, W.M. Morgan, A.P. Grice, J.E. Young, J.C. (words obscured) Morgan.

From the front page of the Smithfield Herald, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 1924