TORRANCE

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Monday, January 01, 2007 at 13:15:19 :

Marin Journal
Thursday, December 25, 1941
Page 1

Two Drown When Car Plunges into Novato Creek

James Torrance, 35, of Novato, and his adopted half-sister, Priscilla, aged 9 of Fairfax, were drowned in Novato creek this (Thursday) evening, shortly before 6 o’clock, when their car, driven by Jas. Torrance, plunged into the water, and overturned.

Wm. Torrance, 41, of San Francisco, brother of James, a passenger, was thrown into the water but managed to release himself, get to the highway and summon help. He is at the Cottage Hospital, suffering from submersion, and slight injuries.

The two bodies were taken to Keaton’s Mortuary, where funeral arrangements are pending.

According to Coroner Keaton’s report, the Torrance car was moving south and in an effort to pass slower traffic, the driver swerved his car, lost control and plunged into the creek, half a mile south of Lillian’s roadhouse café.