Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 01 January 1921

Christmas Tragedy.

Goldthorpe Young Man Drowned.

Mr. Frank Allen, the Doncaster Coroner, held an inquest at the Horse and Groom Hotel, Goldthorpe, yesterday (Thursday), into the death of John Owen a pony driver, of 11, Gosling Gate, Goldthorpe, whose body was recovered from the old Claypole pond, near Hickleton pit, the previous day.

Evidence of identification was given by John Owen, the father, who said he last saw his son alive on Christmae Day, about dinner time. On Christmas Eve deceased had an attack of apoplexy. He had been off work through illness since last Wednesday. He was not in the habit of stopping out late, and when he did not return on Sunday witness got anxious and reported the matter to the police.

Vincent H. Smith, builder, of Shirley House, Thurnscoe East, while working near the pond, on Wednesday, saw the body floating on the water.

David Cedric Cooper, haulage hand, of SO, Railway Terrace, Goldthorpe, said he was with on Christmas Eve. Deceased appeared somewhat strange in his manner, but witness did not hear him threaten to commit suicide. Witness heard that Owen was missing and he helped in the search. He was fetched to the Claypole pond on Wednesday and attached to a run, swam out and recovered the body. The water was about 4 feet 6 inches deep where the body was found, but it was deeper near the edge.

A verdict of “found drowned” was returned and the coroner complimented Cooper for recovering the body.