Hillman, Cordia M.

Passed: 1950-09-08

Age: 35

Source: Jackson Herald

Death Notice:

Obituary Date: 1950-09-29

Information: SPARROW CAUSED THE DEATH OF BUFFALO WOMAN POLICE DISCLOSE - Authorities in Buffalo, N. Y., on the basis of their investigations, say that a sparrow which built a nest in the flue of the home of Mrs. Cora Hillman, and thus blocked it caused the woman's death.  Mrs. Hillman, a daughter of Mrs. Luda Bayer of Ripley, was found dead in the bathroom of her home.  The funeral and burial services were held at Ripley several days ago.  A Buffalo newspaper published the following story:  A bird which built a nest in the flue in the home of Mrs. Corda Hillman, 35, probably caused her death last evening.  The bird was found dead in the nest apparently a victim of carbon monoxide gas. Mrs. Hillman was found submerged in the water in the bathtub of her home by her husband, James, when he returned home from work.  He summoned firemen who were unable to resusatate  her.  An ambulance doctor pronounced her dead.  Medical Examiner John P. Hyllant said Mrs. Hillman apparently fainted from lack of oxygen and slipped under the water while taking a bath.  He said she lit a small gas heater piped to the flue before stepping into the tub.  The flue was found to be blocked by the bird's nest, and the bird, a sparrow, was found dead in it.  ( Buried at Mt. Calvary)