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Accident Ends Resort Man’s Life in Mexico
Gun falls from rack, explodes, and full force of charge hits Pine Knot Pioneer.
Fred S. (Dad) Skinner, pioneer Bear Valley Resort operator and widely-known sportsman, was instantly killed near Ensenada in Baja California yesterday by the accidental discharge of a shotgun.
The tragedy occurred at the conclusion of a two day hunting trip and a few moments before Mr. Skinner and his companions were preparing to start back to Los Angeles where the victim had resided.
Tragedy Occurs at La Grulla Gun Club
Only meager details of the accident had been received last night, according to R. J. Welch Jr., prominent Riverside attorney and son-in-law of the victim.
The La Grulla Gun Club fourteen miles south of Ensenada was the scene of the fatal accident. After two days of hunting the party was preparing to go home and while the plane in whichthey flew to the resort was being warmed up Mr. Skinner went to the gun room to get his shotgun, according to reports received by Mr. Welch.
As far as could be determined there were no actual witnesses to the accident, but it appears that the gun slipped from Mr. Skinner’s hands as he was lifting it from a rack, fell to the floor and discharged, the well known sportsman receiving the full force of the charge.
The plane in which the trip was being made was piloted by Nelson Howard of Pasadena, whose family owns the Huntington Hotel in that city.
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Managed In for 17 Years
The body last night was on its way back to Los Angeles. When the accident occurred Mrs. Skinner was at Big Bear, which Mr. Skinner continued to call home.
For seventeen years Mr. Skinner had managed the Pine Knot Inn in Bear Valley (Big Bear Lake, CA). Three or four years ago he was made president of the Lakeview Oil & Refining Co. of Los Angeles, and went to that city to live. However, he still managed to spend considerable time in Bear Valley, where he retained most of his interests.
He was fifty-seven years old. Besides his daughter, Mrs. Helen Welch, he is survived by his widow, Mrs. Evelyn Skinner. Funeral arrangements had not been discussed last night.
A recognized authority on hunting and angling, Mr. Skinner was being considered by Governor Rolph for appointment to the State Fish and Game Commission.
Early Advertising Brochure for Big Bear Lake CA
