Fatal accident in New Orleans.
--The New Orleans Commercial Bulletin, of the 1st inst., says:‘ Yesterday afternoon, about 3 o'clock, a painter named Joseph G. Reld, was accidentally killed on Camp street, opposite. South street. He was on a step ladder about ten feet high, which stood in the middle of the banquette, painting a sign, when Mr. Frederick Geasner came running by in pursuit of a car, which he wished to take and go up to dinner. A child got in Mr. G.'s way, and as he was in the act of turning aside to avoid it, he came in contact with the step ladder, which was thrown down, and Reid fell on his head, the fall breaking his skull, killing him almost instantly.
Mr. Gessner did not know what he had done, as he was so intent upon catching the car, until he heard a hue and cry after him as the murderer, He was arrested and carried over to the lock, up, and the Coroner sent fonte hold an inquest upon the body of Reld. After a lengthy and very careful investigation of the matter, the Coroner's jury returned a verdict of accidental death, entirely exculpating Gessner, Reid was a native of St. Louis county, Missouri, and was about 25 years of age. We did not learn whether he had any family or relations here or not.
His body was laid out in the office of the Brooks House, near where the accident occurred. The unfortunate man, it seems had been repeatedly told that his step ladder was in the way, and he was liable to be hurt by passer stripping it from under him; but he persisted in keeping it in the same position, as if forced on by his fate.
Gessner was liberated about 5 o'clock, by order of the Coroner.
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