A 14-year old local boy met a tragic fiery death Saturday evening when he fell into a five-foot deep blazing barbecue pit at the rear of the local Catholic church and school.

John W Freund, oldest son of Mr and Mrs William C Freund, 620 Mt View street, here, died instantly Saturday night when he fell into the flames of the pit as he attempted to jump the four foot wide breach.

The youth was left at the scene with another 14-year old local boy as they were charged with guarding the pit which was destined for a special fun-raising barbeque for the Knights of Columbus, Sunday.

The youth, and his 14-year old buddy, had begun to jump the pit as flames rose nearly two feet above the ground level. Freund, first safely crossed the blazing hole and, in boyish games, went to jump back only to meet his friend who attempted to follow.

The two reportedly met in a mid-air collision, knocking the other youth back safely to the side and the fated youth fell into the pit

Reports said the youth apparently died almost instantly after one brief cry.

The other youth, after a futile try to save his buddy, ran for help to several adults who were in the kitchen of the church. He received several burns for his attempts.

Firemen and police were summoned to the scene and within minutes the blazing pit was reduced to ashes, cold and soaked with water from hoses.

Investigation of the incident was conducted by Deputy Coroner Walt Terry, Police Detective Bob Eaton and Captain Don Burgett of the Barstow Fire department.

Rosary has been scheduled for Tuesday at 8 pm at Mt St Joseph's Catholic Church and mass will be said Wednesday morning at 9 am at the church.
Obituary Courtesy of Phyllis Kolbly
Desert Dispatch
Barstow, San Bernardino, California
Monday, December 5, 1966

A 14-year old local boy met a tragic fiery death Saturday evening when he fell into a five-foot deep blazing barbecue pit at the rear of the local Catholic church and school.

John W Freund, oldest son of Mr and Mrs William C Freund, 620 Mt View street, here, died instantly Saturday night when he fell into the flames of the pit as he attempted to jump the four foot wide breach.

The youth was left at the scene with another 14-year old local boy as they were charged with guarding the pit which was destined for a special fun-raising barbeque for the Knights of Columbus, Sunday.

The youth, and his 14-year old buddy, had begun to jump the pit as flames rose nearly two feet above the ground level. Freund, first safely crossed the blazing hole and, in boyish games, went to jump back only to meet his friend who attempted to follow.

The two reportedly met in a mid-air collision, knocking the other youth back safely to the side and the fated youth fell into the pit

Reports said the youth apparently died almost instantly after one brief cry.

The other youth, after a futile try to save his buddy, ran for help to several adults who were in the kitchen of the church. He received several burns for his attempts.

Firemen and police were summoned to the scene and within minutes the blazing pit was reduced to ashes, cold and soaked with water from hoses.

Investigation of the incident was conducted by Deputy Coroner Walt Terry, Police Detective Bob Eaton and Captain Don Burgett of the Barstow Fire department.

Rosary has been scheduled for Tuesday at 8 pm at Mt St Joseph's Catholic Church and mass will be said Wednesday morning at 9 am at the church.
Obituary Courtesy of Phyllis Kolbly
Desert Dispatch
Barstow, San Bernardino, California
Monday, December 5, 1966