Lee, Michael (1964-1970)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Jun 18 p. 31

Birth date: 1964

. . .

— The rushing waters of Slate Creek in Newton, swollen by more than two inches of rain, claimed the life of six-year-old Michael Lee late Thursday afternoon, June 11. Water was flowing across the Blaine Street bridge when the lad rode his bicycle onto the bridge and then, unable to stop, went on into the creek. Fifteen-year-old Alan Colburn, who had just stopped his bike on the bridge, grabbed the boy but was unable to hold on because of the rushing water and Michael floated away. Alan then summoned aid, and police and the fire department rescue squad began the search for the boy. They were joined by off-duty firemen, members of the Hesston rescue unit and numerous volunteers, who combed the creek for some distance downstream. The search was called off at 2 a.m., and then resumed at 7 a.m. Friday. The body was found at 8:45, about two miles from where Michael fell into the water. He was the son of Mrs. Wayne (Karen) Eck of Newton and Myron Lloyd Lee of Wichita. The funeral was held Monday at Draper Funeral Home.