In addition to the two fatal crashes in that race, there was also a bizarre incident some time before LeCocq's crash that nearly resulted in another death when Louis Chevrolet lost a wire wheel when a right rear hub broke on the main straightaway. A part of that hub sliced an electrical timing wire that was part of a new timing and scoring system the AAA was using for that race, and part of that wire actually sliced driver Elmer Shannon, who was behind Chevrolet when his tire blew, below his chin, severing an artery in his neck. Quick work by his riding mechanic on the next lap, which he somehow completed without blacking out, and then medical workers prevented Shannon from bleeding to death. F.T. Steege, his riding mechanic, finished the race in relief for Shannon and brought the car home in 12th place. Naturally, that copper wire timing and scoring mechanism was never used again.
As a driver myself, I can say we all accept the risks. Doesn't make Tragedies any better but we can find some solace in that they died doing what they loved.
Theres an entire website on social media with thousands of members who post historical content regarding Indy 500, ALL of them as well as history of racing, ALL of it with members ranging from 17 -90 years old.
