Thomas Mckenna's Death

I was searching the digital images of the Salt Lake Tribune last week for any articles refering to "Thomas McKenna" hoping to find anything that would add to our understanding of the first McKenna in our history to immigrate to america. I found instead an article discribing the drowning of his grandson, Thomas at age 25. Thomas is the brother to Gilbert Francis. They married sisters Fannie and Almeda respectively. In the article it described the accident that caused his drowning. He was trying to rescue an older man who had fallen into the water. Both bodies were found later down stream. The following is the text of the article
The Roosevelt Standard 1937-05-20
Treacherous Waters Of Green River Take Two More Victims.
Search for bodies of Hank Steward and Thomas McKenna who were drowned in green River Tuesday continues
The swollen treacherous waters of the green river claimed two more victims Tuesday when Hank Stewart 70 and Thomas McKenna about 25 were drowned in its swift currents. Stewart, a ranch owner and veteran of the river, and McKenna employed by Mr. Stewart had crossed the river near the Stewart ranch at willow creek to the Almiller farm on the opposite bank and were returning with some farm machinery when the boat capsized as it struck a whirlpool in midstream. Mr. Stewart was standing up in the boat to steady the cultivator and planter. When the boat upset the weight of the machinery apparently stunned him and he went under with the boat load. McKenna who was rowing grabbed Stewart by the hand when he came up and started to swim to shore but was unable to make it. He then tried to save his own life and was thrown a rope by Almiller who was standing on the bank. He missed the rope by about 12 feet. And being completely exhausted went under and was not seen again.
From the banks of the river Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. McKenna watched the tragedy. Mrs. Stewart attempted to get to the men on horseback but was ordered back on account of the futility of reaching them.
Father Of Eva Ashton
Mr. Stewart is survived by his wife Mrs. Elsie Wardle Stewart and son Arton Stewart of Myton. Another son and daughter by a former marriage, Van Stewart of Brigham City, Mrs. Eva Ashton of Vernal and a brother George of Ft. Duchesne. Mrs. Ashton who was vacationing in California prior to sailing for Honolulu with her husband and family received word of the accident Wednesday and will arrive in vernal Thursday night.
Mr. McKenna is survived by his widow Mrs. Fannie Allred McKenna a four year old son and three month old daughter.
Search Hampered
Immediately on hearing of the
Drowning, searching parties were organized in Roosevelt, Vernal, and Ouray. But due to the swollen muddy waters of the river the search is difficult and as yet no trace of the bodies has been discovered. Drag hooks and river equipment is being brought in from Salt Lake City and shore patrols and searching parties are patroling the waters for many miles.