COME AT ONCE HANK IS DEAD

Millions of hearts broke in 1953 when, on January 1st, the news of the death of 29-year-old Hiram Williams began to circulate. Hiram was better known to most by his stage name, Hank Williams; a talented young man who recorded hit after hit during his short but illustrious country music career. Sadly, addictions to alcohol and painkillers proved too much for his body to bear.

Below is the telegram sent to Hank's sister by his mother that fateful day, immediately after receiving news of his death.

Transcript follows. Image courtesy of Brian Bubonic.

Image: Brian Bubonic

Transcript

WESTERN UNION

NF032 RX PD=MONTGOMERY ALA 1 701A=
MRS J K SMITH=
199 SMITH PLACE APT 77 WILLIAMS COURT APT PM=

COME AT ONCE HANK IS DEAD=
MOTHER=