Sudden Death Claims Transient in Box Car

Robert Brown, transient, believed to be about 45 years old, died here at 3:40 a.m. Monday, apparently a victim of heart disease.

Brown died as he was sleeping in a box car in the yards of the Soo Railway company here.

Lawrence Bjelland, a companion, was with Brown when he died and is being held as a material witness in an investigation which will be made today.

According to Bjelland, Brown died suddenly after crying out in his sleep and twitching convulsively. Bjelland immediately notified Police Officer Peter Reid who arrived at the scene a few minutes after the tragedy.

Little is known of the victim but his companion said that he came from Sault Saint Marie, Canada. Bjelland stated Brown had once said he suffered from heart disease.

The two were en route to Lehr where Bjelland claims to have relatives.

Coroner W. E. Perry said Monday that an autopsy would be held to determine the cause of death.

The Bismarck Tribune, 6/22/1931