Had Health Struggles Decade After Crash
Larry Winter, a professional drag racer and Glendale native critically injured in an accident more than a decade ago, died of his injuries last month, the family announced.
The 63-year-old Winter lived on 68th Street in Glendale before relocating to California during the 1970s. On the West Coast, he operated a high-end auto parts business and professionally raced on weekends.
Winter was behind the wheel of a Super Eliminator dragster at the Southwestern International Raceway in Tucson, Ariz. on Mar. 30, 2013 when his vehicle-while traveling at 134.1 mph-veered off the quarter-mile track and struck a guard wall.
Paramedics rushed Winter, who lost consciousness, to Tucson Medical Center. Having suffered traumatic brain injury, he underwent several surgeries and remained in a coma after being transported to a hospital closer to his California home.
Winter finally awoke in June of that year, but was unable to walk, talk, eat or dress himself, according to sister Lois Winter. He would remain in that state the rest of his life .
The family set up a fund to help pay for Larry Winter’s recovery; stories about the accident published in this paper in March and July 2013 generated interest and assistance from local residents who grew up with him-something which the family remains grateful for to this day, Lois Winter noted.
Growing up in Glendale, Larry Winter attended St. Pancras School, where his parents-the late Louis and Lillian Winter-were active members of both the school and church. Larry was active in Boy Scout Troop 383 and eventually attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor a scout can receive.
After graduating from St. Pancras School, Larry attended Thomas Edison Vocational School and worked at the now-defunct Meyer Chevrolet in Middle Village for several years before moving west.
Lois Winter stated her brother leaves behind many friends and family “who loved him and will remember him for his always friendly and helpful personality.”
A Memorial Mass will be offered at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 25, 2015, at St. Pancras Church.
