Atlanta, GA Taxicab Kills Margaret Mitchell, Aug 1949 - Taxicab Drived Charged with Murder

Murder Charged Against Driver After Author's Death

ATLANTA, Aug. 17. (AP)--Murder charges have been placed against the taxi driver who fatally injured Margaret Mitchell, world-famous author of "Gone With the Wind."

Miss Mitchell, whose novel of Civil War and reconstruction days outsold everything in print except the Bible, died yesterday in Grady Memorial Hospital.

Death came five days after she was struck down by a speeding automobile on her beloved Peachtree Street, which her novel helped make famous. She died in an operating room as physicians prepared for emergency surgery to try to save her life.

Private funeral arrangements will be tomorrow.

Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.

Hugh D. Gravitt, the 28-year-old driver of the car which hit Miss Mitchell, is being held without bond on a charge of murder. Atlanta Police Chief Herbert Jenkins said the case will go to a grand jury Friday if that body is ready to receive it.

Gravitt, listed on police records for 22 previous traffic violations, was off duty and driving his own car when he struck Miss Mitchell. Until the author's death, he had been free in $5,450 bond on a charge of suspicion of manslaughter.

In private life, Miss Mitchell was the wife of John R. Marsh, an advertising executive. Her age, which she witheld[sic] even from "Who's Who," was listed on hospital records as 43.

Marsh authorized an autopsy. Grady Superintendent Frank Wilson said the exact cause of death may not be known for several days, but added:

"According to my best information, Miss Mitchell died from massive brain injuries."

Messages of sympathy poured into the Marsh apartment from throughout the world.

Clark Gable from Hollywood and Vivien Leigh from London expressed their condolences. They starred as Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara in the film version of "Gone With the Wind."

Flags in downtown Atlanta and at the state capitol were ordered at half staff until after the funeral.

Abilene Reporter News, Abilene, TX 17 Aug 1949