INSURANCE-INTERPRETATION OF "ACCIDENTAL MEANS" IN DOUBLE INDEMNITY CLAUSE

Insured engaged in a game called "Russian Roulette" in which he removed all but one cartridge from the cylinder of a revolver, spun the cylinder, placed the revolver to his head without ascertaining the position of the cartridge, and pulled the trigger. The revolver fired, killing the insured. The beneficiary of a life insurance policy on his life brought the present action to recover under a provision providing double indemnity for death effected solely through external, violent, and accidental means. The trial court directed a verdict for the insurance company.

On appeal, held, affirmed. Such reckless abandon and exposure to a known and obvious danger cannot be said to have produced death by accidental means. Thompson v. Prudential Ins. Co. of America, (Ga.

App. 1951) 66 S.E. (2d) 119.