Daniel E. McDaniel

NEVADA APPEAL

June 20, 1963

ORMSBY COUNTY DEPUTY KILLED IN WRECK; TEENAGE GIRL HELD FOR INVESTIGATION

A tragic and senseless accident took the life of a Carson police officer last night.

Sgt. Daniel E. McDaniel 47, Ormsby County deputy sheriff, was killed last night when the patrol car he was driving was struck from behind by a car apparently racing with another car. The crash occurred about three miles east of Carson on Highway 50.

Being held for investigation of involuntary manslaughter is Welda Mae Frank, 19, Dayton, the driver of the car which struck the police car. Murl Ray Heath, 16, the driver of the other car involved in the alleged race is being held as a material witness, according to police, Miss Frank will be arraigned on the charge today in Justice Court.

Heath admitted to racing according to Stan Paten, State Highway Patrolman, investigating the accident. Paten said that he estimated that the cars were racing at speeds up to 100 mph before the rear end collision.

Investigating officers said that McDaniel was driving west near New Empire at about 9:45 p.m. when Miss Frank’s car smashed into him. The patrol car was knocked off the highway, rolling about four times before it came to rest about 100 yards from the point of impact.

McDaniel was thrown into the rear seat. His neck was broken and he apparently died instantly, according to police. Fellow deputies said that it was McDaniel’s first night on duty after a two-month illness.

Seven other teenagers were passengers of the Heath and Frank automobiles. None of the teenagers were injured except for minor scratches, according to Paten. The seven were also booked as material witnesses.

Other teenagers at the scene of the wreck were commended by Paten for helping to direct traffic. The highway patrol was also helped by the local fire department which brought floodlights to the area.

Paten reported that a 38-caliber revolver and holster belonging to McDaniel was missing, and police are searching the area.

The State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation of the accident.

McDaniel was a deputy for the Ormsby County sheriff’s department for the past four years. He is survived by his widow, Alice. Funeral services are pending at the Capital City Mortuary.

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