John De Stefani

ACCIDENT No. 5 - October 24, 1912 — John Destafani, No. 5 Shaft, C.&H.

John Destafani, an Italian, employed as a sprinkler, was killed by falling into the shaft at the 51st level.

At the inquest held by Justice Fisher over his body the following witnesses testfied:

Marcus Larkner: “I was at the 53d level when he came down through the shaft. He was between the 51st and 52d level. I was watching the north side skips when the truck came down on the south side. I saw something coming down but did not know what it was. I jumped for the bell and stopped the truck right off. I can't say how Destafani got in the shaft. Did not know he was there until after I stopped the truck and went and found him."

Carl O. Johnson: “I am hoist boy, work at No. 5. I knew man who was killed. I was at 51st level. I did not see him fall in the shaft. I was sitting by the trammers engine on the north side. I heard him coming up the ladder road; he took it kind of easy. I thought first it was one of the Captains. I heard him go to the water pipe to put his hose on and I called out to him in Italian. He first grunted in reply. A little while after that Captain Bell called up to me to go get the head captain to come down as there was a man killed.”

Verdict: "We find that the deceased, John Destafani, came to his death on the 24th day of October, 1912, by falling into No. 5 Shaft of the Calumet & Hecla Mine at the 51st level."