The Evening World

DIED AS HE WON
PINOCHLE GAME

Joseph Steele Stricken with Hemorrhage of the Heart at the End of an Exciting Game with His Brother.

Friends of Joseph Steele, twenty-nine years old, of No. 500 West Forty-seventh street, learned to-day that his passion for pinochle was the ultimate cause of his death at his home on Sunday night, and that he expired declaring "I'm out!" as he slammed down the ace of trumps on the table.

For some months Steele had suffered with lung trouble. A month ago he was confined to his home, and, though still weak, showed rapid improvement. He was an ardent pinochle player, and even during the serious stages of his illness could not be restrained from playing if an opponent offered himself.

John Steele, the brother of the sick man, called on Joseph Sunday evening.

The two sat down to a game of pinochle, and John won four straight games.

As his ill-luck persisted, Joseph Steele became more and more excited.

The fifth game proved a stirring contest. At the last deal John had 920 and Joseph only 700.

He dealt, and hearts turned trumps. He had seven hearts in his hand, but neither queen.

He began taking in the tricks excitedly, and finally turned up the ace of spades, making 100 aces. Then he filled the sequence, which gave him 160 more.

His interest in the game was now intense, and, shaking with excitement, he slammed down the ace of hearts on the table and cried: "I'm out!" A moment later he fell back in his chair dead.

Drs. Etran and Throop were summoned. They attributed his death to hemorrhage of the heart, brought on by the excitement of the game.