Mrs. Ernest Holman Drowned
Touchet River Flood In Washington Claims Victim
Falls from Plank and Husband Falls to Reach Her Side
Struggle In Raging Torrent
Victim is Sister-in-law of Mrs. George T. Ballard Of North Powder
Mrs. George T. Ballard left Monday night for Dayton, Washington, where she was called by the tragic death of her sister-in-law, Mrs. Ernest Holman, which occurred Monday afternoon.
Mrs. Holman, pioneer resident of Columbia county, was drowned in the high waters of the Touchet river Monday afternoon. A new detour bridge is being built to replace the one swept out by the Thursday night floods and a plank 36 feet long had been placed from the end of the span to the bank to allow workmen to go to lunch.
Mr. and Mrs. Holman, returning home from a trip to town, attempted to cross the plank over the deepest and ugliest part of the swollen stream. Mrs. Holman became giddy, missed her footing and plunged into the water. Mr. Holman jumped after her and both regained their feet.
Mr. Holman was swept about 50 feet down stream, but reached the bank and returned to the place Mrs. Holman was clinging to a clump of willows just as the current carried her from view.
The stream was combed until 3 p.m. when the body was found lodged nearly a mile below the bridge.
Mrs. Holman was about 45 years old. She leaves her husband and two grown children.
Oregon Trail Weekly
North Powder News
Saturday, December 3, 1927
