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> The 1999 DARWIN AWARDS: The first candidate! MAN DIES IN FREAK ACCIDENT 
>> CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (Nov. 13)
>> 
>> A 39-year-old Charlottesville man died Thursday in a freak accident 
>> involving his washing machine. According to police reports, Samuel 
>> Randolph Strickson was doing laundry when he tried to speed up the
>> process. Strickson apparently tried to stuff approximately 50 pounds of 
>> laundry into his washing machine by climbing on top of the washer and
>> attempting to force the clothing into the basin. 
>> 
>> Strickson then apparently accidentally kicked the washing machine's ON 
>> button. When the machine turned on, Strickson lost his balance and both 
>> feet went down into the machine, where they got stuck.  The machine
>> started its cycle, and Strickson, unable to free himself, started
>> thrashing around as the machine's agitator went into gear.  Strickson's 
>> head banged against a nearby shelf in the laundry room, knocking over a 
>> bottle of bleach, which poured over Strickson's face, blinding him.
>> Forensic reports say Strickson apparently also swallowed some of the 
>> bleach.  He then vomited,  but was still unable to free himself.  
>> 
>> Strickson's dog, then apparently came into the laundry room. At about the 
>> same time, according to police, a large box of baking soda fell from the 
>> shelf, startling the dog, who then urinated. Urine, like vinegar, is
>> acidic, and the chemical reaction between the urine and the baking soda 
>> resulted in "a small explosion," according to police reports. The dog, 
>> however, escaped unharmed.
>> 
>> Strickson remained stuck in the washing machine, which eventually went 
>> into its high-speed spin cycle, spinning Strickson around at about 70 
>> miles per hour, according to forensic experts. Strickson's head then
>> smashed against a steel beam behind the washing machine, immediately
>> killing him.  A neighbor heard the commotion and called 911, but Strickson 
>> was pronounced dead at the scene.
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