Pierces triumph was quickly marred by tragedy, however, when, a few weeks before his inauguration, he and his wife witnessed the death of their only surviving child, 11-year-old Bennie, in a railroad accident.
Ukunqoba Franklin Pierce sonakala ngu yenhlekelele eyenzeka amasonto ambalwa ngaphambi kokugcotshwa kwakhe, lapho yena nomkakhe Sasishumayela kokufa ujantshi, onguyena kuphela osaphila ingane, Benny yabo eneminyaka engu-11 ubudala.