He was in the Pontiac Coupe of HANEL's, accompanied by Glenn HANEL. They were driving east through town and just as they were by the HARTGRAVE residence, the car crashed into the ditch.

Melvin was found under the car with his head crushed. Glenn received a blow over one eye, but otherwise was uninjured. It was a peculiar accident and only guesses are ventured as to how the accident really occurred.

As near as can be found, it seems that the car swerved to the side of the road and as the front wheels struck the loose gravel, the car turned end over end, landing on the side and headed in the opposite direction. One door was torn off and one fender mashed on the car.

The car was lying in the HARTGRAVE backyard. Dr. HOOVER was called and pronounced the lad dead. The coroner, J. H. BARLEY, accompanied by Sheriff ROSENKRANZ and County Attorney LOBAUGH was called to the scene of the accident.

After a careful investigation they decided it was an accident. The family has the sympathy of the entire community in their sorrow.

Melvin Leo, oldest son of Minnie and Jerry DONALDSON was born March 4, 1916 and
departed this life Sunday evening Oct 9, 1932 at the age of 16 yrs, 7 mos and 5 days.

He leaves to mourn his death his mother, father, one
brother, Leland, two sisters, Marjorie and Helen, one grandmother, one grandfather, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon at the Haddam Church by the Rev. L. E. DIXON. A quartette, Mrs. Mabel WAY, Mrs. Ivan BURTON,
John JEFFERSON and Paul SMERCHEK, sang for the services.

The text was taken from 1st Samuel 20:3 "There is but a step between me and death." Interment was made in the Haddam Cemetery.