Sam Dickson

Samuel Parker Dickson (May 21, 1887 - May 30, 1911) was a race car riding mechanic and the first person to be killed in the Indianapolis 500. He was born in Chicago to writer Maxwell E. Dickson and Martha E. Dickson. Dickson served as a riding mechanic for Arthur Greiner in the inaugural race of the Indianapolis 500. Tragically, on lap twelve, the front wheel of the car came off, causing Greiner to lose control. Both men were thrown from the car, and Dickson was fatally injured, being thrown into a fence. Despite efforts from attending doctors, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Dickson was buried at Rosehill Cemetery.