He was killed in a practice crash for the 1931 Indianapolis 500 along with riding mechanic Clarence Grove, when he crashed his car at turn 2, causing it to vault a wall, hit a tree, and catch on fire.
He was fatally injured in a training session for the 1931 Indianapolis 500, alongside riding mechanic Clarence Grove, as his car veered off course at turn 2, crashed into a barrier, struck a tree, and erupted into flames.