Oswald G. Beck

Oswald G. Beck, 50, pipefitter, died as the result of attempting to save Alexander Johnston, 44, assistant master mechanic, from suffocation, Etna, Pennsylvania, June 11, 1912. (See case of ALEXANDER JOHNSON.) Beck ran 150 feet and then climbed a ladder to the top of the charging?box, which was 117 feet above the ground. He tied a rope around his body, leaving the end hang free, and although weak from his exertions and short of breath, slid to the bottom of the box while another man held the rope. Beck tied the loose end of the rope around Johnston and then fell forward and began to groan. An attempt was made to pull the two men up together, but Johnston’s body became wedged in the box, and the effort was unsuccessful. They were taken out later. Beck died two weeks after the accident without having recovered consciousness.