Frank Croker

Son of Tammany leader Richard Croker died in a car accident at the 1905 Ormond-Daytona Automobile Races

Nationality: United States
Born: 1878
Died: January 22, 1905 Ormond Beach, Florida 26 Years

From the New York Times- January 22, 1905

FRANK CROKER DEAD OF HIS AUTO INJURIES; Accident Which Killed His Mechanic Fatal Also to Him. MACHINE'S AWFUL PLUNGE Made Three Complete Revolutions -- Croker's Mother and Sister at Ormond -- Races Postponed.
 

Frank Croker was the second son of Richard Croker, a Tammany leader in New York City. Born in New York City, he attended Brown University with his elder brother, Richard, Jr. After leaving college, he entered a business career, becoming a Director of the Atlantic Coast Realty Company, a Director of the Casualty Company of America, and the Secretary and Director of the Roebling Construction Company. He also became a member of the New York Athletic Club, the Brown University Club, and the Democratic Club.

 

While at college Croker's love of athletics made him one of the best-known members of the class of 1901.  He played on the class football team and on the varsity baseball team. In 1903 he took up motor racing and later went into auto boating as well. He died on January 22, 1905 as a result of injuries sustained in accident with a motorcycle driven by Newton Stanley at the 1905 Ormond-Daytona Automobile Races.