New-York tribune., 1905-01-22
CROKER IN AUTO SMASH.
HE HURT; DRYER DEAD.
Car Pins Young Sportsman Beneath
WaUes of Ormond Beach.
[BT TELEGRAPH TO THE rnIBUyr I


Daytonar Fla, Jan. 21.-Frank H. Croker of
New-York. son OF Richard Croker, was severely
injured this afternoon in an automobile accident
on the beach His driver, Victor RaueI of New
york. was killed instantly. NJ. F. Stanley, Wis
ltor here propellng a motor cycle chair car,
which caused the accident, had both legs broken.
Crokers 75-horsepower Simplex rolled over and
down the sand into the ocean and when II
stopped it was half submerged in water. Had
Croker not been pulled out from under the car
he would probably have drowned
The upset occurred about two miles this side
Of Ormond. Croker was speeding his car north
ward, driving himself when he saw. far ahead
the man propelling the motor chair car Croker
tried TO turn out. but the cyclist finally shot
sideways TO the right directly in front of the
automobile. Croker made a mighty effort to
turn, but at that moment the damp sand grpped
his wheel, wrenching one OF the tires, and the
car turned sharply and then Topped sideways
turning over until it reached foot deep water
Mr.. Croker found to have his leg broken
near the thigh, and the other leg injured. but
probably not broken. He had deep cut and a
confusion the forehead and blood was flow
ing from his ears. He unconscious for
about ten minutes. Finally when bystander
rolled back his eyeiids he spoke. end gradually
revived. There is still chance OF internal in
juries being found, but it seems probable that
he win recover.
Rauel the driver. had ceased to breathe when
his body pulled out OF the Atlantic. The
cyclist, whose legs were broken. was taken 10
a carriage and speedily driven OF.
At a late hour tonight word received from
Ormond is that Croker was resting easily at the
Hotel Ormond and that doctors feel sure he
Will recover. He has been conscious practically
all the time since he revived after the first shock
Five doctors are in observation-disclosures. Ben
net. Miller Deelee. Marsh and Parks. Later
examination indicates that only one leg was
broken. also thumb His body is bruised
all over in spots. The coroner has taken charge
of Raeuls body The automobile still lies in
the ocean, and is being viewed by crowd in the
bright moonlight
The accident is likely to cause the government
TO exercise jurisdiction over the beach. The city
has assumed control. but legally has no control
above high water mark President Peck Of the
Florida East Coast Automobile Association said
this evening he was satisfied that a soft spot
Of sand, gripping the tire threw the car over
Croker is one OF the most daring amateur au-
tomobilists in the country and has his motor
boat here intending enter the Palm Beach
boat races week after next. He made his first
important appearance in the Vanderbilt Cup
races last October In that contest his car to
be reduced TO proper weight, bored full Of
holes. This caused IL to sag so in the that
the back OF the seat pushed him tightly against
the steering wheel, and he had to withdraw At
the Empire City track last fall he won the world
amateur records from ten TO twelve miles, when
he was forced to slow down. He IS also inter
estsd in golf, dogs and horses.
Frank II. Croker OF Richard Croker, the
former Tammany chieftain, is an enthusiastic
and fearless sportsman. and has shown his dar-
ing in automobile racing on road and track, and
in his fast motor boat Y d y c. At Brown Uni
versity. where he entered with the class of '01.
he played first base on the same baseball team
with Dave" Fultz and Billy" Lauder. and was
member Of his class football team.
Mr.. Croker is about twenty-seven years old.
He is director OF the Atlantic Coast Realty
Company and OF the Casualty Company Of
America, and secretary and director Of the
Roebling Construction Company. He IS a mem
Der OF the New-York Athletic and Brown Uni
Yersity clubs and OF the Greek letter fraternity
Of Psi UpsIlon.