1980-1989
Craig Arfons
Born: September 26, 1949
Died: July 9, 1989
Buried: East Liberty Cemetery, Green, Ohio
Age: 39
Full Name: Jon Craig Arfons
Nickname:
Location: Lake Jackson, Sebring, Florida
Event: world water speed record attempt
Accident Date: July 9, 1989
Boat: "Rain-X Record Challenger" 25-foot jet hydroplane
Biographical: He was trying to break the world water speed record of 317.6 MPH set by Ken Warby in 1978. He was traveling about 370 MPH and let the afterburner run a few seconds longer than he initially had planned. By the time he shut down the afterburner and released the chute, it was too late. The craft lifted off the lake surface and the boat started to tumble out of control, disintegrating as it impacted. He was transported to Highlands Regional Medical Center where he died about an hour after arriving. He was from Bradenton, Florida. His father was Walt Arfons and his uncle was Art Arfons, both land speed record holders from the 1960s.
Video:
Sources
"Bradenton man killed as boat flips," Sarasota Herald-Tribune, July 10, 1989
"Officials are checking out Arfons death," Ocala Star-Banner, July 11, 1989
"Racer Arfons died when boat became airborne," Gainesville Sun, July 23, 1989
"Boat racers run at record ends in death at 370 MPH," Orlando Sentinel, July 10, 1989
Norman Hechtkoff, e-mail communication to site administrator, August 8, 2010
Florida Death Index (Jon Craig Arfons, born Sep. 26, 1949, died July 9, 1989, in Highlands Co., age 39)
Photos
http://www.histarmar.com.ar/InfGral/RecordsVelocidad.htm (accessed 8/8/10)
Jeff Bruns
Born: October 29, 1955
Died: April 27, 1980
Buried: cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea
Age: 24
Full Name: Jeffrey Antone Bruns
Nickname:
Location: Berenda Reservoir, Chowchilla, California
Event: NDBA race
Accident Date: April 27, 1980
Boat:
Biographical: He had just been clocked at about 140 MPH when his boat went airborne. He was thrown from the boat and then hit by it. He was from El Segundo, California, and was the son of Antone and Otha Lee Bruns of Los Angeles. He also was survived by his sister, Laurie Ellen Bruns of Los Angeles.
Sources
"Memorial service set for boat racer," Los Angeles Times, April 30, 1980
California Birth Index (Jeffrey Antone Bruns, born October 29, 1955 in L.A. Co., mother’s maiden name was Keyes)
Social Security Death Index (Jeffrey Bruns, born Oct. 29, 1955, died Apr. 1980, SS# issued in Calif.)
Photos
1970 Chatsworth High School Yearbook
Jack Cayer
Born: September 16, 1937
Died: April 12, 1980
Buried: Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, California
Age: 42
Full Name: Jack Amedie Cayer
Nickname:
Location: Lake Ming, Bakersfield, California
Event: NDBA West Coast Championships
Accident Date: April 10, 1980
Boat: "Extremely Dangerous" blown fuel flatbottom
Biographical: During qualifying, the engine in his boat seized while he was crossing the finish line at a speed of about 140 MPH. He was thrown from the craft and suffered massive head injuries. He was one of the founders of the National Drag Boat Association and was then serving as vice president. He was from Downey, California, and was survived by his wife, Billie, daughter, Sharon, and son, Jeff.
Sources
"Boat racer Jack Cayer is dead," Los Angeles Times, April 15, 1980
"Services Friday for boat racer Cayer," Los Angeles Times, April 17, 1980
California Death Index (Jack Amedie Cayer, born September 1937 in Calif., died April 12, 1980 in Kern Co., mother’s maiden name was Crissman)
Social Security Death Index (Jack Cayer, born Sep. 17, 1937, died Apr. 1980, SS# issued in Cal. In 1954)
California Birth Index (Jack Amedie Cayer, born Sep. 16, 1937 in L.A. Co., mother’s maiden name was Crissman)
Photos
Milt Chapman
Born: August 9, 1941
Died: May 25, 1986
Buried:
Age: 44
Full Name: Milton Chapman
Nickname:
Location: Red Bluff, California
Event: Central Valley Drag Boat Races
Accident Date: May 25, 1986
Boat: "Mid Life Crisis"
Biographical: He was from Escondido, California.
Sources
"Miscellaneous," Santa Rosa Press Democrat, May 28, 1986
California Death Index (Milton Chapman, born Aug. 9, 1941, in NY, died May 25, 1986 in Tehama, mother’s maiden name was Fraser)
Social Security Death Index (Milton Chapman, born Aug. 9, 1941, died May 1986, last benefit in Escondido, SS# issued 1956 in Calif)
Photos
Bill Davis
Born:
Died: September 25, 1988
Buried:
Age:
Full Name:
Nickname: Billy the Kid
Location: Lake Glenmaggie, Australia
Event:
Accident Date: September 25, 1988
Boat: "Tinker Toy" blown alcohol hydro, bought from Art Hendy and Tim Capaldi
Biographical: He had set the Australian BAH speed record earlier in the day with a run of 183.54 MPH. During his back up run later that afternoon, the wind had kicked up. His hydro became airborne just past the finish line and crashed. He was transported to Heyfield Hospital, then rushed to the larger base hospital in Sale where he succumbed to his injuries later that evening. He was survived by his wife, Glenys, and son, William. He was a founding member of the Victorian Drag Boat Club.
Sources
"Boat death," Melbourne Age, Sep. 27, 1988
Gary L. James, e-mail communication to site administrator, Feb. 9, 2011
Photos
Gary James, e-mail communication to site administrator, Sep. 3, 2011
Neil Donegan
Born: September 28, 1950
Died: July 28, 1985
Buried: Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon
Age: 34
Full Name: Neil Eugene Donegan
Nickname:
Location: Tenmile Lake, Lakeside, Oregon
Event: First Annual Tenmile Lake Regatta
Accident Date: July 20, 1985
Boat:
Biographical: He was at the end of his run when his engine seized, causing it to skip to the left and flip over. He was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, where he lay in a coma before passing away eight days after the accident. He was from Aloha, Oregon. For over twenty years the Columbia Drag Boat Association has sponsored the Neil Donegan Classic at Lakeside in memory of Donegan.
Sources
"40 pros to race on South Tenmile," Coos Bay World, July 17, 1985
"Accident mars Tenmile regatta," Coos Bay World, July 22, 1985
"Racer dies," Coos Bay World, Aug. 6, 1985
Oregon Death Index (Ancestry.com)
Social Security Death Index
Photos
Cecil Florence
Born: February 7, 1931
Died: April 7, 1984
Buried:
Age: 38
Full Name: Cecil N. Florence, Jr.
Nickname:
Location: Firebird Lake, near Phoenix, Arizona
Event: private test session
Accident Date: April 7, 1984
Boat: "Coors Light Special" blown alcohol hydro
Biographical: He was testing an innovative hull designed to tunnel air under the boat. He was traveling 208 MPH when the boat suddenly lifted off the water and flipped. He was from Long Beach, California, and was survived by his wife, Dee.
Sources
"Driver killed as boat flips at 190 MPH," New York Times, April 8, 1984
"Drag boats," Los Angeles Times, July 15, 1984
"Drag boat race today at Irvine Lake," Los Angeles Times, May 5, 1984
U. S. Public Records Index (Cecil N. Florence, Jr., 2127 Temple Ave, Long Beach, CA, 90755)
Photos
Bill Hartman
Born: March 22, 1944
Died: July 6, 1986
Buried: Grace Alliance Church Cemetery, Lexington, North Carolina
Age: 42
Full Name: William Henry Hartman, Jr.
Nickname:
Location: Brazos River, near Waco, Texas
Event: Southern Drag Boat Association Texas Shootout
Accident Date: July 6, 1986
Boat: "Ofixco Special" blown alcohol hydro
Biographical: He crashed while traveling at more than 100 MPH. He was vice-president of the Southern Drag Boat Association.
Sources
"Miscellany," Chicago Tribune, July 8, 1986
Texas Death Index (William Hartman, Jr., died July 6, 1986 in McLennan Co.)
Photos
Jimmy Hobbs
Born: February 10, 1943
Died: June 24, 1984
Buried: Montecito Memorial Park, Colton, California
Age: 41
Full Name: James Raymond Hobbs
Nickname:
Location: Irvine Lake, Orange, California
Event: Summer Championships
Accident Date: June 24, 1984
Boat: blown fuel hydro
Biographical: He died of neck and chest injuries several hours after his boat flipped over at more than 180 MPH. It happened during qualifying. He was from San Bernardino, California, and was survived by his wife, Joyce, and son and daughter. It was only his third competition in the boat. Witnesses thought he should have shut it off earlier in the run when it started showing early signs of getting into trouble.
Sources
"Drag boat racer dies after he flips in race," Los Angeles Times, June 25, 1984
"Sports log," Milwaukee Journal, June 25, 1984
"Drag boats," Los Angeles Times, July 15, 1984
California Death Index (James Raymond Hobbs, born February 10, 1943 in Michigan, died June 24, 1984 in Orange Co., mother’s maiden name was Crist)
Social Security Death Index (Jim Hobbs, born Feb. 10, 1943, died June 1984, SS# issued in Calif. In 1958)
Photos
Arvie Hughett
Born: March 15, 1938
Died: October 14, 1984
Buried: Jacksonville Memory Gardens, Orange Park, Florida
Age: 46
Full Name: Arvie Lee Hughett, Jr.
Nickname:
Location: Belew's Creek Lake, near Kernersville, North Carolina
Event: unsanctioned race
Accident Date: September 22, 1990
Boat: "Natural High" unlimited outboard
Biographical: "I'm still chasing that elusive 125.00 MPH," said Hughett sometime before his fatal outing at an unsanctioned drag boat race. During his last race, his boat went airborne and flipped, coming down on top of him. He resided in Orange Park, Florida, and was survived by his wife, Judith, and children.
Sources
Photos
Hughie Jones
Born: March 5, 1943
Died: June 22, 1986
Buried: Parkview Memorial Cemetery, Livonia, Michigan
Age: 43
Full Name: Hugh Emlyn Jones
Nickname:
Location: Fanshawe Lake, London, Ontario, Canada
Event: London Free Press Molson Drag Boat Race
Accident Date: June 22, 1986
Boat: "Stagefright" blown fuel hydro
Biographical: He lost his prop in the lights turning 217 MPH and crashed in the shutdown area. He was from Livonia, Michigan, and was survived by his wife, Bette, and two sons. He had bought the old "Ambush" boat, running it as "Ambush," then as "Stagefright."
Sources
"Record turnout for Canadian club race," Windsor Star, June 26, 1986
"Boat race ends in death," Reno Gazette-Journal, June 23, 1986
"Business owner was winning racer," Detroit Free Press, June 26, 1986
http://dragboatracing.com/Community/Forums/tabid/54/aft/35723/Default.aspx (accessed 7/26/10)
Gregg Padgett, e-mail communication to site administrator, Oct. 7, 2010
Photos
Julian Kirk
Born: January 8, 1936
Died: July 26, 1982
Buried: Central Baptist Church Cemetery, Midlothian, Virginia
Age: 46
Full Name: William Julian Kirk
Nickname:
Location: Oak Hollow Lake, near High Point, North Carolina
Event: World Drag Boat Championships
Accident Date: July 24, 1982
Boat: "Black Rushin" 17-foot unblown gas-powered Canyon Marine flat (owned by Harvey Chadwell)
Biographical: He was traveling about 120 MPH during time trials when his boat suddenly dipped to the right. The jolt threw Kirk from his seat. He tried to leap clear, but his parachute opened and he was thrown back into the path of the speeding boat. Witnesses thought he may have been struck by the boat during the accident. Twenty seconds after the accident a rescue boat reached him and they began administering CPR. He was transported to High Point Memorial Hospital. He was kept on a respirator, but never regained consciousness before dying two days after the accident. He had been racing boats for eight years and was from Richmond, Virginia.
Sources
"Virginia powerboat racer dies," St. Petersburg Times, July 27, 1982
"Wreck kills speedboater," Lakeland Ledger, July 27, 1982
"Death at 120 miles per hour," Chicago Tribune, July 27, 1982
North Carolina Death Collection (William Julian Kirk, born January 8, 1936 in Virginia, lived in Beaufort Co., VA, died July 26, 1982 in High Point, NC, married)
Social Security Death Index (William Kirk, born Jan. 8, 1936, died July 1982, SS# issued in Virginia in 1955)
Photos
"Death at 120 miles per hour," Chicago Tribune, July 27, 1982
"Racing disaster," Florida Today, July 26, 1982
Victoria High School 1952 Yearbook
Erik Laforge
Born:
Died: November 4, 1987
Buried:
Age: 25
Full Name:
Nickname:
Location: Lago d'Iseo, near Sarnico, Italy
Event: world speed record attempt
Accident Date: November 4, 1987
Boat: Laforge/Johnson Class 850
Biographical: He was making a test run when his boat suddenly became airborne, overturned, and crashed. He lost his helmet and sustained severe head and neck injuries. He was a Frenchman.
Sources
Photos
Randy Muller
Born: January 25, 1953
Died: October 5, 1985
Buried: Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura, California
Age: 32
Full Name: Rudolph Carl Muller
Nickname: Goose
Location: Lake Ming, near Bakersfield, California
Event: 21st annual NDBA Nationals
Accident Date: October 5, 1985
Boat:
Biographical: He had been clocked at 124 MPH and was just past the finish line when his boat became airborne and flipped over. He was thrown clear of the boat and his chute opened but he hit the water hard. He was transported to Kern Medical Center where he died from his injuries. On his previous run he had set a record of 135 MPH. He was from Ventura, California, and had been racing drag boats for five years.
Sources
"Boat racer killed," Florence Times Daily, October 7, 1985
California Death Index (Rudolph Carl Muller, died Oct. 5, 1985 in Kern Co., born Jan. 25, 1953 in Calif., mother’s maiden name was Hess)
California Birth Index (Rudolph Carl Muller, born Jan. 25, 1953, in Ventura Co., mother’s maiden name was Hess)
Photos
Dave Nolte
Born: February 9, 1948
Died: June 22, 1986
Buried:
Age: 38
Full Name: David Russell Nolte
Nickname:
Location: Berenda Reservoir, near Chowchilla, California
Event: Central Valley Drag Boat Association Chowchilla Summer Showdown
Accident Date: June 22, 1986
Boat: "Liberty" blown fuel hydro
Biographical: After hitting a speed of 210 MPH, he was shutting the boat down when an apparent propeller malfunction caused his accident. When the motor shut off it caused a lot of back pressure and the propeller shaft pulled right out of the boat. He was transported by helicopter to Valley Medical Center in Fresno but was dead on arrival. He was from Fresno, California. His death was the fourth in the space of thirty days in drag boat racing. It resulted in a moratorium being declared on drag boat racing nationwide while the insurer for the sport conducted an investigation into all aspects of the sport.
Sources
"Accident brings halt to drag boat racing for now," Modesto Bee, June 27, 1986
"Boat racer killed in mishap," Boca Raton News, June 24, 1986
"Speedboat death," Miami Herald, June 24, 1986
"Newswire," Los Angeles Times, June 24, 1986
California Death Index (David Russell Nolte, born February 9, 1948 in Calif., died June 22, 1986 in Fresno, mother’s maiden name was Sciutto)
California Birth Index (David Russell Nolte, born February 9, 1948 in Fresno Co., mother’s maiden name was Sciutto)
Photos
http://www.nitrogeezers.com/Farndon%20Story_4.htm (accessed 8/5/10)
Thurman Riggs
Born: August 1, 1942
Died: July 9, 1983
Buried: Floral Haven Memorial Gardens, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Age: 40
Full Name: Thurman Dennis Riggs
Nickname:
Location: Creve Coeur Lake, Maryland Heights, Missouri
Event: World Championship Series of Dragboat Racing 4th Annual Coors Creve Coeur Classic
Accident Date: July 9, 1983
Boat: "Ofixco Special" blown alcohol flat-bottom
Biographical: He had just turned 151 MPH in time trials when his boat turned over. He was transported to DePaul Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. He was from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Sources
"Racing deaths called fate," St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 23, 2009
"Vance waits for a win in drag boat classic," St. Louis Post-Dispatch, July 11, 1983
"Speedboat racer hurt on Creve Coeur," St. Louis Post-Dispatch, July 12, 1983
"Boat racer killed here when craft turns over at 151 MPH," St. Louis Post Dispatch, July 10, 1983
Social Security Death Index
U.S. Public Records Index (Thurman Riggs, born Aug. 1, 1942, resides in Tulsa, OK, 807 N. 29th West Ave.)
Photos
Will Rogers High School Tulsa 1959 Yearbook
Bob Rogers
Born: December 8, 1937
Died: April 16, 1988
Buried: Cremains scattered in Lake Grapevine, Texas
Age: 50
Full Name: James Robert Rogers
Nickname:
Location: Toledo Bend Reservoir, Logansport, Louisiana
Event: Southern Drag Boat Association
Accident Date: April 16, 1988
Boat: "Snap, Crackle, Pop" blown fuel jet class
Biographical: He was making a half-track pass in his 482 cu. inch Donovan-powered drag boat and was traveling at 133 mph when he crashed. He was an aircraft mechanic for American Airlines at Dallas Fort Worth Airport for 23 years. He was survived by his sons, James Donald and James Ronald Rogers.
Sources
http://dragboatracing.com/Community/Forums/tabid/54/aft/35706/Default.aspx (accessed 3/12/11)
Margaret Meier, e-mail communication to site administrator, Mar. 9, 2011
James Rogers, e-mail communication from site administrator, Apr. 21-22,2012
Photos
Tom Roland
Born: December 24, 1943
Died: August 6, 1988
Buried:
Age: 44
Full Name: Thomas Frank Roland
Nickname:
Location: Berenda Reservoir, Chowchilla, California
Event: Chowchilla Lions Club biennial drag boat races
Accident Date: August 6, 1988
Boat: blown fuel jet boat
Biographical: His engine locked up after experiencing extreme pressure build-up and his craft flipped. He had been traveling more than 128 MPH and had just crossed the finish line when the crash occurred. He was transported to Chowchilla District Memorial Hospital where he was dead on arrival. He was from Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Sources
"Rancho man killed," San Bernardino County Sun, Aug. 10, 1988
Photos
Los Angeles High School 1958 Yearbook
Ken Scheff
Born: February 12, 1945
Died: June 6, 1981
Buried: Arlington Cemetery, Pennsauken, New Jersey
Age: 36
Full Name: Kenneth L. Scheff
Nickname:
Location: Holloway Reservoir, near Columbiaville, Michigan
Event: ADBA Blue Water Classic
Accident Date: June 6, 1981
Boat: turbo-charged hydro
Biographical: During qualifying his boat flipped after crossing the finish line. He was traveling 135 MPH when he was thrown from the boat. He was transported to Lapeer County General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was from Mount Holly, New Jersey.
Sources
"Hydroplane racer killed in accident," Montreal Gazette, June 8, 1981
"Hydroplane racer killed in crash," Palm Beach Post, June 8, 1981
"N. J. hydroplane racer killed," Daytona Beach Morning Journal, June 8, 1981
Social Security Death Index (Kenneth Scheff, born Feb. 12, 1945, died June 1981, SS# issued in New Jersey)
Michigan Deaths (Kenneth L. Scheff, born Feb. 12, 1945, died June 6, 1981, in Lapeer, Michigan, residence New Jersey)
Photos
Jerry Spencer
Born: May 17, 1947
Died: September 8, 1985
Buried:
Age: 38
Full Name: Gerald Rolland Spencer
Nickname:
Location: Creve Couer Lake, Maryland Heights, Missouri
Event: ADBA Midwest Championship
Accident Date: September 8, 1985
Boat:
Biographical: He was traveling at an estimated 146 MPH and had just finished the run when his boat popped into the air and he was thrown from the boat. It was a freak accident as he had made a good run and was slowing down when the boat caught air and came right up out of the water. He was from Ashland, Ohio, and had been a national champion in the American Drag Boat Association in 1981. It was Spencer's first racing event in two years.
Sources
"Freak accident kills drag-boat driver," Bryan Times, September 9, 1985
"Miscellaneous," Milwaukee Journal, Sep. 9, 1985
Social Security Death Index (Gerald Spencer, born May 17, 1947, died Sep. 1985, SS# issued in Michigan in 1964)
Photos
Lee Taylor
Born: June 20, 1934
Died: November 13, 1980
Buried: Happy Homestead Cemetery, South Lake Tahoe, California
Age: 46
Full Name: Lee Allen Taylor, Jr.
Nickname:
Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Event: world water speed record attempt
Accident Date: November 13, 1980
Boat: $2.5 million dollar "U.S. Discovery II" rocket-engined 40-foot steel and aluminum craft
Biographical: He was trying to better the world water speed record of 317.60 MPH set by Ken Warby of Australia in 1978. He had held the world water speed record from 1967 to 1977, set with his "Hustler" jet boat at 285.22 MPH. In tests the previous spring, Taylor had been clocked at 440 MPH in tests on Walker Lake and thought the boat would be capable of 500 MPH. On his fatal run, he had been clocked at about 290 MPH and his speed increased to about 330 MPH before he shut it down. The boat began to wobble on its sponsons. The left sponson suddenly submerged, causing the craft to suddenly lurch to the right. It disintegrated in a huge spray of water and broken parts. Divers finally found his body five days after the crash strapped into the 8-foot long cockpit at a depth of 280 feet and a half mile from shore. Three days later they were able to bring the cockpit of the boat holding his body into shallower 200-foot deep water, but it slipped from the grappling hooks. Ten days after the crash on November 22, the salvage barge crew were finally able to hoist the boat and his body to the surface. His body was removed to a private pier where it was examined by the Douglas County coroner before being removed for an autopsy. He had a 23-man crew and it was the sentiment of all of them that Taylor should not have made his run because the surface water conditions were poor. They tried to talk him into returning to Walker Lake to attempt the record. It seems that he may have made the decision to run that day at Tahoe against the advice of his crew and pressure to please sponsors and media in attendance. He was from Bellflower, California.
Video:
Sources
"Water speed record set," Lethbridge Herald, July 3, 1967
"Bellflower man plans attempt to regain world water speed record in rocket boat," Los Angeles Times, March 13, 1980
"Boat driver is lost in crash on Tahoe," Los Angeles Times, November 14, 1980
"Body missing," Monessen Valley Independent, November 18, 1980
"Taylor search continues," Gettysburg Times, November 14, 1980
"Boat driver's body found," Gettysburg Times, November 19, 1980
"Taylor's body is found," Los Angeles Times, November 19, 1980
"Body of boat racer still in Lake Tahoe," Hartford Courant, November 22, 1980
"Boat still not recovered," Gettysburg Times, November 22, 1980
"Speedboating," Daily Sitka Sentinel, November 26, 1980
"10-year dream ends with Taylor death," New York Times, November 23, 1980
"Lee Taylor: Pressure in prime time," Los Angeles Times, November 21, 1980
Social Security Death Index (Lee Taylor, born June 20, 1934, died Nov. 1980, SS# issued in Calif.)
Steve Garcia, e-mail communication to site administrator, Aug. 6, 2013
Photos
"Bellflower man plans attempt to regain world water speed record in rocket boat," Los Angeles Times, March 13, 1980
Lee Taylor Hustler/Discovery II Gallery (Pinterest)
http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/boat-design/lee-taylor-rocket-boat-15461.html (accessed 3/21/11)
Arthur Benjamins, e-mail communication to site administrator, Mar. 20, 2011
http://www.vonicon.com/bluebirdpublications/show.php?sh=gallery&page=2&perpage=10&rcat=all
Bill Thomas
Born: November 2, 1955
Died: June 11, 1989
Buried: Oak Park Cemetery, Claremont, California
Age: 33
Full Name: William Edward Thomas, Jr.
Nickname: "Chilly Willy"
Location: Puddingstone Lake, San Dimas, California
Event: International Hot Boat Association Summer Nationals
Accident Date: June 11, 1989
Boat:
Biographical: He lost control and his boat flipped when he was traveling about 160 MPH. He was from Alta Loma, California.
Sources
"Boat racing," Milwaukee Journal, June 12, 1989
"Boat racing," Chicago Sun-Times, June 12, 1989
"Dragboat racer killed when his craft flips," Los Angeles Times, June 12, 1989
Photos
Billy Todd
Born: November 22, 1931
Died: September 20, 1986
Buried: New Auburn Cemetery, Auburn, California
Age: 54
Full Name: William Lee Todd
Nickname:
Location: Castaic Lake, California
Event: Sundance Sports Drag Boat Nationals
Accident Date: September 20, 1986
Boat: "Billy the Kid" #531
Biographical: He had been clocked at 205 MPH at 5.46 seconds on his run after which his boat catapulted thirty feet into the air and came down on top of him. It was thought that possibly a prop blade had snapped. He was transported by helicopter to Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills where he died from his injuries about six hours after the crash. He was from Auburn, California, and was survived by his wife, Lyn.
Sources
"Driver killed in drag boat accident at Castaic," Los Angeles Times, September 21, 1986
Photos
http://dragboatracing.com/Community/Forums/tabid/54/aft/39156/Default.aspx (accessed 7/26/10)
Denny Vachal
Born: August 23, 1943
Died: May 25, 1986
Buried:
Age: 42
Full Name: Denny Lee Vachal
Nickname:
Location: Red Bluff, California
Event: Central Valley Drag Boat Races
Accident Date: May 25, 1986
Boat: "Flat Out of Sight"
Biographical: He was from Bellflower, California.
Sources
http://www.riverracer.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-36718.html (accessed 7/26/10)
"Miscellaneous," Santa Rosa Press Democrat, May 28, 1986
California Death Index (Denny Lee Vachal, born Aug. 23, 1943 in Nebraska, died May 25, 1986 in Tehama Co., mother’s maiden name was Osborne)
Photos
Ancestry.com
Jerry Wallace
Born: April 19, 1946
Died: April 2, 1991
Buried: Roselawn Memorial Park, Denton, Texas
Age: 44
Full Name: Jerry Charles Wallace
Nickname:
Location: Oak Hollow Lake, near High Point, North Carolina
Event:
Accident Date: July 24, 1988
Boat: "Smokin' and Strokin'" PlaceCraft blown fuel jet class
Biographical: He was injured in a crash and died in an Illinois hospital. He suffered a spinal cord injury when he was thrown from his boat. He spent several years in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities before passing away. He began racing in 1984 competing in his brief career in unblown fuel jet, pro gas jet, and blown fuel jet.
Sources
Margaret Meier, e-mail communication to site administrator, Mar. 9-10, 15, 25, 2011
http://www.screamandfly.com/archive/index.php/t-213800.html (accessed 3/12/11)
http://www.performanceboats.com/jet-boats/72938-pop-placecraft.html (accessed 3/12/11)
Social Security Death Index
http://dragboatalley.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/16/32/12.html (accessed 3/12/11)
Photos
Jimmy Wright
Born: March 28, 1934
Died: September 12, 1982
Buried: Emmanuel Episcopal Church Cemetery, Powhatan, Virginia
Age: 47
Full Name: James Willie Wright
Nickname: "Porky"
Location: Lake Lou Yaeger, Litchfield, Illinois
Event: National Drag Boat Association 10th Annual Midwest Championships
Accident Date: September 12, 1982
Boat: "Nitrofever" top fuel hydro
Biographical: He overshot the finish line at a speed estimated at over 200 MPH and crashed into the artificial lake's steep dirt bank. He was thrown clear of the boat on impact. He was taken from the water and transported to St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He was from Ashland, Virginia, and was the world record holder for propeller-driven blown fuel hydroplane boats.
Sources
"Boat racer killed in Sunday mishap," Mount Carmel Daily Republican-Register, September 13, 1982
"Wright, world record-holder for propeller-driven boats, killed," Los Angeles Times, September 13, 1982
Photos
John Young
Born: February 26, 1950
Died: October 31, 1986
Buried:
Age: 36
Full Name: John William Young
Nickname:
Location: Lake Ming, near Bakersfield, California
Event: NDBA championships
Accident Date: October 31, 1986
Boat: "Strange Behavior" blown alcohol flat
Biographical: During time trials, his boat flipped and crashed. He was from Ontario, California.
Sources
"Newswire," Los Angeles Times, November 2, 1986
Photos
Barry Zenovka
Born: January 31, 1947
Died: April 10, 1983
Buried: Harbor Lawn-Mount Olive Memorial Park, Costa Mesa, California
Age: 36
Full Name: Barry Lewis Zenovka
Nickname:
Location: Irvine Lake, California
Event: Coors Western Championship
Accident Date: April 9, 1983
Boat: "Instant Trouble"
Biographical: The fatal crash occurred during qualifying. His boat flipped over at the finish line. He was transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana where he died the next day from injuries. He was from Westminster, California.
Sources
"Driver of race boat dies," Los Angeles Times, April 11, 1983
"20,000 turn out after boat racing accidents," Los Angeles Times, April 11, 1983
California Death Index (Barry Lewis Zenovka, born January 31, 1947 in Calif., died April 10, 1983 on Orange Co., mother’s maiden name was Ault)
Social Security Death Index (Barry Zenovka, born Jan. 31, 1947, died Apr. 1983, SS# issued in Calif. In 1962)
California Birth Index (Barry Lewis Zenovka, born Jan. 31, 1947 in L.A. Co., mother’s maiden name was Ault)
Photos