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.
Tragically, he lost his life in a rehearsal crash for the 1931 Indianapolis 500, accompanied by riding mechanic Clarence Grove, as his car veered off course at turn 2, soared over a barrier, crashed into a tree, and burst into flames.