Once upon a time there was an old saying “boys will be boys.” I am not if that is case today with youngsters growing up in the digital age.

The Red River Lumber Company’s Westwood millpond was a scene of several tragedies. The millpond separated the communities of Old Town and Westwood. Old Town designated as such, for it was where everyone resided while the mill and town of Westwood was being constructed. A foot bridge was constructed across the millpond allowing those from Old Town easy access to Westwood. 

On Friday afternoon, October 1, 1926, 17-year-old Westwood High School student, Jose Nunez, was returning home in Old Town with other school companions. While crossing the footbridge someone in the group suggested they play “Follow the leader.”  Nunez was selected leader. He decided to jump off the footbridge and onto a
log, which rolled and he fell into the water. Nunez was pinned
underneath the logs unable to surface. When he did not immediately
reappear, two of his friends dived into the water, but were unable to
locate him. In the meantime, the call of help was made. Nunez’s body
by this time had been submerged for nearly fifteen minutes. It was
only with the aid of pike poles his body was located and pulled out of
the water. A doctor was present and attempted every means to
resuscitate him, but it was too late.

Tim