George McKayPrint Page 
The headstone over the grave of George McKay commemorates his efforts in trying to save a fellow worker from drowning in the Wimmera River.
MELBOURNE, Friday. A tragedy occurred this morning on the bridge construction works over the Wimmera River, on the Jeparit-Lorquon railway route, resulting in the death of George McKay and James Dowling. They were told to cross the river in a barge to tighten a guy rope. They neglected to fasten the barge to the bank, and while putting a twitch in the rope they fell into the river. Dowling could not swim, and McKay made a heroic attempt to save him. He was clutched by Dowling, and freed himself, but returned to the rescue. In his drowning struggles Dowling again seized McKay, and both disappeared. The bodies were recovered in 20ft of water, about an hour after. Both were about 30 years of age and unmarried. McKay was a recent arrival from Scotland. He only joined the work on the previous day. He was a powerfill swimmer.
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), 16 March 1912.
The Horsham Times (Vic) 10 September 1912.
Location
| Address: | Jeparit East Road , Jeparit Cemetery, Jeparit, 3423 |
|---|---|
| State: | VIC |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -36.131106 Long: 141.995665 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Grave |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Community |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 15-March-1912 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 15-March-1912 |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Wednesday 4th September, 1912 |
|---|
In memory of George McKay
Drowned 15th March 1912
Aged 28 years.
Erected by his fellow workmen and the people of Jeparit and district to commemorate his heroic action of trying to save a fellow workman (J. Dowling) from drowning in the Wimmera River, Jeparit.
