Koontz was the administrator of the late James Koontz, killed by an automobile driven by Fleming. Koontz had been riding in a mail truck when he and the post carrier stopped to give assistance to a wrecked driver. Fleming, said to be driving recklessly, fatally injured Koontz, who was survived by wife Tobitha and children Daisy Kiser, Lucy Phillips, Birt Koontz, Elmer Koontz, Lamer Koontz, and plaintiff Newton Koontz. Damages were asked to recover death-related costs incurred by the family.