Logan Utah Journal. Feb 16, 1925 Front page
"Peter E McCombs of Riverdale dies here
A death that occurred at some time during Saturday or Sunday at the Palace hotel, gave rise to a number of unfounded reports of suicide, varying according to the fancy of the one relating the story, from throat cutting to hanging or poison.
The facts are that Peter E. McCombs of Riverdale Idaho registered on Saturday evening at about 6 o'clock. An hour later he sought Mrs. J. Golightly, the landlady, and requested more heat in his room. This was the last time he was seen alive.
Yesterday, being Sunday, it occasioned neither remark or alarm that he had not risen. He might be more than ordinarily tired, or not feeling well, so no effort was made to disturb him. At 2 o'clock Mrs. Golightly's son Cyril opened the door, looked in and seeing him lying dressed upon the bed stepped softly out and left him there. At about 6 o'clock, as he had not yet arisen, the boy entered the room, turned on the light, attempted to waken the sleeper and discovered that he was dead. Investigation disclosed that he had been dead for some time; just how long can not be determined.
Appearances indicated that, suddenly feeling ill, he lay down on the bed almost at once, as he had never moved as he undoubtedly would had he be poisened. Death to all appearance had resulted in natural causes, probably heart failure
It is thought he came down to visit relatives living on River Heights, and decided to spend the night in town.
The officers investigating the case could find no evidence of death other than natural causes, and the remains are being prepared for shipment home. He leaves a wife, five sons, and four daughters to mourn his sudden and unexpected departure.
After considering the matter in view of the fact that there are no witnesses to the death, and there were so many rumors, the officers decided to hold an inquest, which is in progress as we go to press."
Another clipping. This one from the Logan Journal Feb 17 1925 p 3 col 6:
"It was concluded yesterday by the officials, to hold an inquest over the remains of Peter E. McCombs, who died at the Palace Hotel, to determine the cause of death in view of the many rumors concerning it. Mssrs A. B. Harrison, W. K. Burnham, and H. Weatherston were impanelled, and after hearing the evidence of those in charge of the hotel, of the investigating officers, and medical testimony connected therewith returned a verdict of death from unknown but natural causes. The remains were shipped to his home in Riverdale, Idaho this morning. The family wishes, through the Journal, to extend thanks to all who tendered sympathy with them in their bereavement."
