A Broken Heart?

[mtw12055]

I recall someone once mentioning Spanky McFarland told them that he felt Darla Hood died of "a broken heart." I assume this may have been related to the fact that her husband was wheelchair bound, making a romantic life difficult. I can't remember if that part was mentioned, or if I've just been speculating that as the reason.

Darla's Wikipedia page offers an alternate version of the story where Spanky claimed *Buckwheat* died of a broken heart because of Darla's death. Huh? I've added a 'citation needed' to that statement.

Anyway, does anyone recall the origin of this story?

[littlejoecobb]

I've never heard that story before. I knew both of them fairly well and spoke at both funerals. Darla died of hepatitis and William died of a heart attack. Both attended events for the Way Out West Tent of the Sons of the Desert. Darla was very involved and Buckwheat was going to be one of the honored guests at our annual banquet the day after he passed. Both deaths were very sad indeed.

[mtw12055]

Right, that’s how they really died. But I think the person who told this story meant that Spanky offered a different take, and probably not a literal one.

I just wanted to know where the story originated...🤔

Yes, unfortunate that they both passed when they did. Gordon Lee never even got a chance to be reunited with Bill Thomas. Also interesting how their passings were timed. As you’ve mentioned in the past, Farina also died just days before a scheduled Sons event.