On June 1st, by a tragic accident, Dawson lost one of its finest and most respected citizens in the drowning of Amede Routhier, early-day pioneer and businessman of this district.
The accident happened in mid-stream of the now high-flooding Yukon river when the cable ferry plying between the city and West Dawson got out of control. When the ferryman cut the cable ropes to avert the craft capsizing, a flying rope caught the ill-fated man, throwing him 15 feet into the strong current.
Endeavors were made to save the drowning man by small boat, but the undercurrent and the heavy silt-laden water dragged him under after he had swam for only a short time.
As yet the body has not been found.
