Evening star., 1941-03-04
Three D. {. Men
Killed in Crash
In Florida
Victims Include
Andrew Crawford,
Speedbout Driver

Three prominent Washington
sportsmen were killed at Coral
Gables, Fla, early today when their
automobile crashed into tree,
according to the Associated Press.
A fourth victim was listed as resi-
dent of Coral Gables.
The dead are:
Andrew A Crawford, AZ, business
manager of the Washington Insur-
ance Clinic and nationally known
speedboat driver.
Gardner P. Orme, so, of 1923
Massachusetts, avenue NV, brother
of James Orme, partner in Emer-
son & Orme Buick Co.
James w. Burch, So, director of
Hall, Inc, and a past treas
urer of the Potomac Boat Club
Comdr. F. G. Ericsson, so, of Coral
Gables.
Were Attending Regatta.
The accident took place a block
from the Ericsson home at about
5 am, according to word received
here
Miami police said the car struck
the tree when it failed to make a
curve. They did not list the driver
of the car.
Friends here said they believed
the "Comdr. F. G. Ericsson" listed
as one of those killed was Com
modore" F. G.. Ericsson, veteran
driver and mechanic on speedboats
since the sport became popular in
this country. Commodore" was the
unofficial title given him by friends
Commodore" Ericsson won the
Presidents Cup Regatta here in 1927
in the Red Banker and raced in
subsequent regattas, usually in the
speedboats of Horace Dodge, Detroit
millionaire.
He piloted several Gold Cup boats
built and owned by Mr.. Dodge. The
Commodore" had not raced here fol-
several years, it was said.
The Washington men were attend
ing the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club
regatta, and Mr.. Crawford had en-
tered his boat in the races there
Sunday and yesterday. According to
officials of the automobile company
Mr.. Orme was in Florida to join his
brother in bringing the Orme yacht
back to Washington.
Mr.. Crawford, who lived at 1923
Rhode Island avenue NV, had been
active in motor boating for many
years and had won numerous speed
prizes. He had planned to retire
from the sport at the close of last
year, but decided to enter his racer
in the Miami regatta only a few
weeks ago.
Helped Organize Clinic.
At one time employed in the Sun
day department and later the photo
graphic department of The Star
Mr.. Crawford formerly was active
in the real estate business here. He
helped organize the Washington
insurance clinic in 1923, later be-
coming its business manager.
He was native of Washington
His widow, Mrs. Edna M. Crawford
and his mother, Mrs. Dolly B. Craw-
ford, both of the Rhode Island ave-
nue. address, survive. The couple
had no children.
Mr.. Crawford was one of the pio-
neers in local speedboat racing and
in the past three years came into
national prominence with his per-
formance in the fast hydroplane
classes. During the Presidents Cup
regatta here in 1889 he established
world speed marks in the 135-cubic-
inch hydroplane class for both
emile and 1-mile courses.
He frequently had expressed
desire in recent months to give UP
racing, but apparently was attracted
again to the racing in Florida, where
he has participated for several
seasons.
Mr.. Orme leaves his wife, Mrs
Violet Elder Arme, and a daughter
Miss Violet Orme. They have beer
on a visit to Newport, R. I. Mrs
Orme, believed uninformed of the
tragedy, was due to arrive in Wash
ington late today by train and was
to be met by Charles M. Orme, 6
brother of the accident victim.
Member of Old Family.
Mr.. Orme was a member of ar
old Washington family which at one
time operated a large wholesale
grocery business, according to a
friend, Michael M. Doyle, Washing
ton attorney.
Mr.. Doyle said it had been sug-
(See ACCIDENT, Page A-2)