West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Tuesday 16 February 1954, page 1


Swollen River Claims Life DERBY, Monday.-Geoffrey Pearson (22), stockman, believed single, of Yeeda station, was drowned about 9.15 a.m. yesterday in the Fitzroy River. He left the homestead at 7.30 a.m. on horseback, with a native stockman, for a stock camp beyond the river. On reaching the Fitzroy River at Langi crossing, seven miles distant, Mr. Pearson atttempted to swim his horse across the swollen river. The reason for this action is hot known, since a boat was available for river crossing. When Mr. Pearson was about 50yds. from the shore he was seen to go under the water with the horse, reappear, then become separated from the horse and not reappear. The native rode back to Yeeda homestead and repbrted the tragedy. Sgt. Monck and Constable Harris, of Derby, made a search but the body was not recovered until today.