Story of Helena Marine's Death Disputed by Buddy

The buddy of Lance Cpl. James M. Heaney, 20, of Helena, who was killed in an accident Wednesday at Honolulu, Hawaii, flew here today at his own expense to dispute a national wire service story that Heaney was killed in a "quick draw" contest with another Marine guard.

Marine Lance Cpl. Larry L. Beeney, 20, of Franklin, N.C., came to see Heaney's parents, Mr. and Mrs. James T. Heaney of 38 Williams to tell them that their son was an innocent bystander when two other guards engaged in a kind of Russian roulette with guns they believed to be unloaded.

He told the Independent Record that the two guards were "goofing" around with guns, and that one of them discharged, killing the Helena youth.

Beeney said the guard whose gun went off fell to the ground crying and the guard he had been competing with stood staring in a state of shock after the accident.

He said Heaney's parents had not been notified of their son's death when neighbors heard the story on the radio and told them about it.

Heaney's family said today that they had now been informed that a top priority U.S. Navy investigation of the incident is under way.

The accident occurred at the U.S. Naval Station, Barber's Point, Honolulu, where Heaney had been stationed for the past 15 months.

He was born in Helena, Jan. 7, 1947 and attended St. Helena School and Helena High School from which he was graduated in 1965.  He worked here for a year before entering the Marine Corps in April of 1966.

Survivors besides his parents are two brothers, Thomas J. Heaney of Anchorage, Alaska, Charles Francis Heaney of Helena; two sisters, Mrs. Susan Boone and Barbara Heaney both of Helena.

Two grandmothers, Mrs. Marie Heaney of Helena and Mrs. Ann Hassen of Red Lodge; an aunt, Sister Mary Cordella who teaches at Bishop Gilmore School; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Heaney of Helena and Mr. and Mrs. Jon W. Price of Laurel, aunts and uncles;  Robert Hassen of Red Lodge and Sgt. George Hassen of Fort Benning, Ca., uncles, and two nephews, Tommy Heaney of Forsyhte and Michael Boone of Helena.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Retz Funeral Home awaiting arrival of the body.

Military graveside services are being arranged and honorary pallbearers will be James Pillotson, Ray Netzer, Terry Bright, Melvin Boone, Steve Delaney and Dick Weston.

Printed in the Helena Independent Record on October 30, 1967.