He died in a practice crash before the 1959 Indianapolis 500, leaving behind a widow, Jeanne Unser, and two sons, Jerry and Johnny Unser.
Morreu nun accidente durante a práctica antes das 500 Millas de Indianápolis de 1959, deixando atrás a súa viúva, Jeanne Unser, e dous fillos, Jerry e Johnny Unser.