Biography

Ryan was walking along the street and was seen to stagger and fall. Although assistance was quickly given, he died within a quarter of an hour. The Goongarrie Post Master informed the Menzies police, who at once informed the coroner. Dr Corlis, in company with Police Constable Gerald Lawrence Uniacke (Regimental Number 278, of Menzies), performed a post-mortem examination of the remains. An inquest was held that evening at which, in accordance with the medical evidence, the jury found that death was caused by haemorrhage of the lungs. Ryan had lately been engaged in dry-blowing, where he was associated with a man named Elanngani. He left no papers or letters to show whether or not he had any relatives. Witnesses at his burial were Thomas James Freeman and Roderick Flanagan.