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Fallen Brother: A Comment

By VVAW

William (Whitey) Hurst is dead. William was a member of VVAW/WSO. He was one of the 7 Leavenworth Brothers recently indicted on major charges resulting from the July, 1973 uprising at the Federal Prison in Kansas. But most importantly, Williams was a brother, deeply committed to struggle and fighting for the freedom of prisoners and oppressed people everywhere.

William's body was discovered on May 9th, hanging from his shirt in his cell at the Wyandotte County Jail in Kansas. The death looked like a suicide. But the word "murder" is far more applicable. Williams was transferred to the County Jail approximately 3 months ago form the Federal Prison in Marion, Ill. (where William has been held since the Leavenworth rebellion). Upon his transfer, William informed us, "I am afraid for my life. They tried to kill me once before when I was at this jail. I just want you to know that if my body is ever discovered dead, it will not be me who has taken my life; it will be them who have done it to me." This was the last direct message we ever received from William.

The Leavenworth Brothers watch out for one another inside the prison; William was kept separated from the other Brothers while awaiting their trial and court hearings. Also, shortly before his death, William was mysteriously sent to the Springfield, Mo. Medical Facility for federal prisoners, and then transferred directly back to Kansas. What went on in that Medical Facility is unknown.

It is unlikely that William took his own life. He was strong, committed brother, deeply involved in the people's struggle. If the allegation of suicide is false, then the prison system of this country must be condemned for his murder. If his death was a result of his own doing, then the prison system must be made to account for its irresponsibility, its negligence, and its inhuman and brutal treatment of prisoners everywhere. The death of William Hurst is not unique; similar events occur every week in prisons across the country. Countless prisoners have been murdered by prison officials; while countless others are forced to the point of breaking by the daily oppression of prison life.

An investigation into William's death is being conducted, but regardless of what this investigation reveals, it is not William who is responsible. He was a victim of the prison system which is used as a tool or repression, and it is this system which is to blame.

William's death comes as a blow to us all. His courage and dedication to struggle will be remembered, and his spirit will live on in the years to come.