1935 - Lightning Kills Sheepherder in Sutter Basin Field

October 15, 1935
Woodland Daily Democrat from Woodland, California · Page 1

Lightning Kills Sheepherder in Sutter Basin Field

While Sheep herder in Sutter Basin Field Lightning Recorded its first fatality in this district in 30 years Monday when Pete Mulas, Sutter Basin sheepherder, was instantly killed when struck by a bolt while walking across a field. Mulas' body, with his dog dead beside him, was found late Monday afternoon by Jack Alves of Woodland, superintendent for Holmes and Hughes,for whom Mulas worked. According to Coroner Hugh Pryce Jones of Sutter county, who was called by Alves to take charge of the body, it is the first time in more than 30 years that lightning, most infrequent in this area has accounted for a death.

Sheep Guide Searcher Alves discovered the body when he went to investigate the reason the sheep, for which Mulas was herder, were milling about the death in an unusual manner. He found Mulas' body, lying face downward, his dog's body beside him. The lightning bolt, according to Coroner Jones, apparently killed the man and dog together. The coroner's investigation showed that the lightning struck Mulas on the shoulder, for there was a red "contact" mark. The entire upper portion of Mulas' body was as black as if it had been burned in a fire.


Ripped Shirt


The bolt went between Mulas' coat and shirt, leaving the coat intact but ripping the shirt to shreds. It is believed that the accident occurred about 11 a.m. as Mulas and his dog were crossing the field to the camp for lunch, having left the sheep to graze in the field. Mulas, who was about. 55 years old, came to the Sutter Basin district from Stockton a short time ago and was hired by Alves as one of the Holmes and Hughes' herders in the Sutter Basin district. Coroner Jones Tuesday was endeavoring to get in touch with members of Mulas' family to make funeral arrangements.