Tulare Graves of Donald Turnupseed, Olympic athlete Bob Mathias

[@susanpeterson8529]

I didn't realize there was a 2nd occupant, nor the surviving driver of the other car. Thank you for your wonderful job!

[@thud9797]

Dean's friend Bill Hickman was driving Dean's station wagon pulling the car trailer and just behind the accident. Bill went on to be an actor and famous stuntman and driver extraordinaire in the 70's, see him driving the Catalina in the famous chase in the movie 7-ups.

[@161papa]

That was really interesting! I had never heard the story of Don Turnupseed or Bob Mathias before. Jeff, thank you for expanding my knowledge.

[@Blend-25]

Incredible video!! The guilt that remains with the survivors is intense. I’m glad you mentioned that. The guy riding with my dad when he was killed was thrown clear and had to have several surgeries and never was able to work again. He suffered mentally afterward and eventually committed suicide. It’s a form of PTSD that should be addressed for all suvivors of accidents. PTSD is a problem with our military guys/gals coming home too, I sure that’s why so many end taking their own lives later. I wish there were more we could do to help them.

[@culturematters4157]

A very thoughtful comment. I didn't realize JD had any children!

[@JoelHope-mv6bp]

I'm a fanatic. I'm a fan of eternity. I'm not even going to talk about your dad,BUT if you died today would you go to heaven or hell? 2 choices...no 3rd choice. If you've never thought about it before repeat after me...Father God I know that I have sinned and I acknowledge that Jesus died for my sins and I ask for your forgiveness of those sins and I know that I have already been forgiven and I thank you,Father God,for you sending your son to die..rise from the dead on the 3rd day and I thank you that someday You,my dad and I will celebrate together in heaven. In Jesus name AMEN!😊

[@spannaspinna]

Bullshit

[@spannaspinna]

@@culturematters4157 he didn’t

[@TravisWhite-m3r]

I had thought Dean and his passenger were both killed….just got educated. As said by you I overlooked his passenger thinking he died in the crash. Learned some other notes about Turnupseed as well. Great vid Jeff, thanks for all the hard work you put into it.

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

I was 26 in 1974 and really appreciate this look back especially including the clip of "You Bet Your Life". James Dean was a very reckless young man and I feel his speeding had a whole lot to do with this accident. I am sorry that young Turnipseed wound up having to carry guilt for the whole thing for the rest of his life. Thank you for this great video.😊

[@ald668]

He was not speeding in that accident.

[@thomasmoshier3920]

Yes, he was….

[@frankthomas1423]

Being from Bakersfield I drive over to the central coast often and every time I pass this location I think about that accident and like you said how young James Dean was and how much he had ahead of him. Such a sad tragic story..

[@JustGrammy1234]

Oh my goodness, so true that life can change in an unexpected instant. Make every day and every moment count ☮️

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

A little heartache with this one Jeff. My mother-in-law is buried in that cemetery😔♥️But thanks for such a great episode. I lived on Sycamore Street for many years when I worked for a cardiologist on Cherry Avenue across from the hospital. Your biggest Tennessee (formerly California) fans…

[@jbenziggy]

That's so interesting that you lived there. What a small world! Do you regret moving to Tennessee or is it more of you missing California?

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

@@jbenziggy I’ll always miss our California home♥️

[@donaldwhite1928]

My mom was raised in Tulare and both her parents are buried there

[@rhondaz356]

WOW, that's so horrible. I am surprised that Mr.Turnupseed remained in town. From what I've read, James Dean was a **HUGE star, at the time. Although Turnupseed's name would have been distinct, wherever he went. In any case, there really was no place to run. Perhaps speed, and poor judgment did play a tragic role. It's so sad, Thank you for sharing this with us, Jeff.😪

[@bethloguekellerwilliamsrea1529]

Sunday just isn’t Sunday without your videos thanks!

[@jbenziggy]

That is very nice to hear, Beth. I appreciate it, but I do hope that you will watch my videos if I happen to post on a day not on Sunday. Lol.

[@richardbeee]

Another interesting and informative one. Two thumbs 👍 up.😊

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate it. I put a lot of work into these!

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff, Thanks for sharing and remembering this sad story on James Dean and Donald Turnupseed. And remembering Bob Mathias, have a wonderful day.

[@jennysjourney02]

Great video as usual! Interesting to learn more about the accident.

[@johnygarcia7636]

Thanks!

[@aproudamerican2692]

I graduated from Morro Bay high school and my best friend from high school still lives outside Paso Robles. Back in the 80s we didn't know that that road and intersection was where James Dean had died. So we would drive past there all the time not giving it a thought. I moved out of California in 1988 and have never return. Great video. Thanks

[@nickpaz2421]

Jeff, I can’t say this enough, these are stories that are lost to history, but because of you we get to learn about these people and learn the stories behind them. Thank you for sharing this story.

[@brianpreston3509]

Great episode Jeff! Always increasing my knowledge of history.

[@privatepilot4064]

Great episode! Thank you Jeff and Sarah!

[@redmccoy8633]

Great Sunday morning. Count your blessings each and every day. Thanx for your time !

[@lonewolvesonwheels]

I’m sure James Dean was going a lot faster than Donald thought.He may have not even saw that little spider if he was looking into the sun ☀️

[@irishgip71]

True. And as a retired deputy, the silver car with convertible and size of car made it impossible to judge speed to oncoming traffic. Speed was an associated factor. These fatalities were my job and every one of them will stay with me forever.

[@60toodles]

he was absolutely going too fast. People put no blame at all on Dean and i'm a little fed up with people ignoring that it was shown he was going to fast. It was also a straight clear road and he would have seen the car from a distance and still didn't slow down. But of course he was a celeb and so gets a pass while the poor man who wasn't to know how fast he was going thought he had plenty of time to turn. To say dean died because of HIM is the first time I've been annoyed at this channel. Deans friend who survived would have course not say it was deans fault.

[@irishgip71]

@@60toodles I agree. Speed was and is considered an associated factor. Back in the day, they didn’t have major accident investigation teams. I was one and it’s so complex to figure speed in the equation. Road surface, temperature, speed, damage to vehicles and lighting are everything. Mr Dean absolutely should’ve known better but don’t blame History Hunters for their opinion and belief.

[@NetWit20]

Turnupseed was traveling east away from the sun. The inquest reported his 1950 Ford left a 39 foot skid mark, then no skid, then a twelve foot skid before the impact point.

[@WildWestGal]

​@@60toodles Agree with you on all counts. Frankly, I would be surprised if he had been going less than 100 mph.

[@HBHArtLife]

I was in high school driver's ed class the first time I was shown that clip of Dean saying "The life you save might be mine." It's always given me chills, knowing what happened to him shortly after.

[@jbenziggy]

It is kind of ironic when he says, “nobody knows what the other guy’s gonna do.”

[@conniephillips8217]

WOW, that was great since s of little was known about him. Thanks for the story that says many of us have never heard! Love to you and Sarah❤❤😊

[@jimellison6157]

Another awesome episode. Please keep them coming.

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Feel sorry for Donald what a sad video and how he must of been treated and the rest of the video was amazing Thankyou Jeff for again taking the time to share great history with us

[@dsinavich5141]

Hi ...I remember this story..Dean was speeding in his sports car and Turnupseed probably didn't see him and turned , a tragic accident . Thanks for vlogging great stories . Deborah 🇨🇦

[@DennisOKelley-j3z]

That was a very interesting piece. I did not know any of that but thank you for sharing it with us, great job.

[@paulkalff6408]

Another, very fine presentation, Jeff! The Zumwalts of Tulare are, I believe, also at rest in that cemetery, but that's info from 50-odd years, ago. My US of N CNO was Elmo Zumwalt, Jr. His father, Elmo, was chief of industrial medicine at the Mike Labs at China Lake...I enjoyed helping CNO's dad move from one Naval Weapons Center residence to another. My understanding is that the Zumwalts also had (maybe still do) a branch of the family who raised cattle. My mother helped run the Zumwalt cattle (among others) with the Tryons from Altaville/Angels to the summer ranges around Folger Peak and Highland Lakes back in the mid-20s and early 30's...She was the girl, so she had the duty of closing cattle gates once the herd passed through. She got to eat and bathe, first, so the lads took good care of her.

[@angelsutton416]

Excellent video Jeff ! I always really enjoy your videos Jeff ! Please be sure to tell Sarah hi ! You-all are a hoot together . GOD BLESS You Both !!!

[@DK-et6lm]

Once again, an excellent video Jeff. I learn something new with all your videos.

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome, thank you!

[@JMVideos7676]

Wow, another great history lesson with an amazing collection of video/film clips and historical photos combined with great narration to tell the story.

[@frankmarullo228]

JEFF , I have seen James Dean's accident site on you tube in the past , BUT none of what I have seen gave as much info as yours ( in fact all the other one's combined do not add up to what you did on this one ) GREAT work my friend . THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA. PS I have all 3 of his movies on DVD.

[@cnph7067]

Thank you Jeff! Very much enjoyed this installment and as always learned more then I knew before.

[@rowdierapparlie4452]

Thank you for doing a Tulare County post. We were patrons of Turnupseed Electric at their Porterville office. Keep up the great videos!

[@GlennsYouTube]

Extremely informative and professionally produced, way better than mainstream junk.. I really enjoy your history telling, and I would say, in my opinion, the best on KZbin.. Thank you.

[@bartgoins1782]

Thanks for another great history lesson Jeff and Sarah. When we lived on the Central Coast, we have been passed the accident site many times over the years. As a matter of fact, Rita and I drove passed it in Spetember last year on our way down to Pismo Beach, and then again on our way back to Idaho. Anyway, thanks again to you both.

[@diggingoonschmit]

I lived in Paso Robles for 27 years. We often drove by the site of the James Dean accident on our way to visit the wife’s family in Modesto. Thanks for another great video Jeff.

[@judithmitchell4667]

Jeff - Great video. I'm amazed at how you found some of those clips. Have a wonderful day. Blessings - Judith 🎭🎤

[@jbenziggy]

It was a fun project for me. I love finding those old clips!

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Thanks again for sharing, Jeff and Sarah, another childhood memory, I loved watching Groucho Marx, really didn't have a choice, my Dad liked him, and with only 1 Tv with 3 channels ❤ it grew on me

[@angelmist4253]

Groucho's humor was pretty sly and mature. I had to become an adult to realize how much I missed. 😊

[@hartley9958]

As usual Jeff a well done video a must watch every time you release one...

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate your kind words! It’s always good to hear that!

[@richardsmith4187]

Jeff What a nice story on Donald Turnipseed and the accident. Then your story on Bob Mathias was wonderful, loved the video clips and the one with Groucho interviewing Bob. You always have great stories and this was another one. Thanks again

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate the good words, Richard! It is always rewarding knowing folks like the final product because they are a lot of mental work.

[@richardsmith4187]

@@jbenziggy And it shows in your finished product, the drone shots are awesome and you keep the shots very smooth when panning around. I know it is a great deal of prep involved with your research and then going out and shooting the story ....... and then the editing. What a job you are a great story teller.

[@trishamorriston3737]

Thank you for sharing fascinating videos of Actors/Actresses and California early Residents. Appreciate the insights 😊

[@brittbrittingham9871]

Jeff, what a great deep drive` in to this story ! What just a sad time . Awesome work on the video !!!!

[@treebuck]

Love how many of your videos regard subjects I was aware of but didn't realize I desperately needed to know more about. As an aside, the accident happened on my fifth birthday.

[@barbaramai7610]

As a teenager in the 50s, I, of course, had the typical crush on James Dean and was devastated by this tragic accident. He was a bigger than life personality and Donald Turnupseed kinda' faded into the background. Bob Mathias was one of my husband's heroes but we didn't realize he had gone on into politics. Thanks for the information and look into these two lives, well done!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Barbara! I enjoyed reading your recollections. My mom was 14 when James Dean died so I don't think she was even a fan yet. She was a complete Elvis kook though! LOL

[@barbaramai7610]

@@jbenziggy Elvis kook here, too! And a couple others I won't mention as Elvis was and is still king!! 😀

[@JustGrammy1234]

So glad I hit that notification bell 🔔 Listening and watching while cooking Sunday dinner. I ❤️ James Dean 💔

[@irishgip71]

What time can we head to over for some? 😂😂. Enjoy your Sunday.

[@jimbullard441]

An interesting look at forgotten names that have made an impact - for better or worse - on the world. I learned quite a bit from this video. Great work, Jeff! Where's Sarah lately?

[@terryeustice5399]

Had not realized that Turnupseed had caused that infamous crash. I had thought it was a crash solo. Caused by just speed. Know about Mathias and his Olympic career. Not much on his movie career. That Groucho Marks interview was cool. 😎 Jeff you do an awesome job. Thank you very much! 💯💕👍

[@rogertemple7193]

This was a nice tour of the cemetery and a lot of interesting information about Donald Turnupseed and Bob Mathias have a good Sunday Evening thanks Jeff.👋🇺🇲🪦

[@festerhairball6588]

I remember stopping for lunch in that restaurant (down the street) in 1999 & seeing the place covered in James Dean memorabilia. I came across it by accident just passing through. I turned around when I saw the plaque on the tree. I thought that was the spot, but it wasn't. Now 25+ years later with you-tube (google maps & the internet) I know the whole truth. Great episode Jeff!

[@heffphilat]

The movie "Giant" hadn't yet been released when James Dean passed. Seeing Keenan Wynn reminds me his father was the incredibly talented Ed Wynn. Thank you for your gift at doing these videos.

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

Really good episode, very interesting. 👍

[@jcftrucker1]

Great content Jeff, keep them coming and it was a good surprise seeing you at E.L.O.

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate that! Wasn’t that concert the greatest ever?

[@jcftrucker1]

Yes it was and i'm assuming were about the same age , i just turned 64 on jan 28

[@reginamay2767]

Thank you Jeff, I enjoyed this very much as always, sad about it all. 😥

[@stevemccoy8138]

Hi Jeff, I can imagine how Turnupseed felt, terrible I'm sure. We haven't been able to go to the crash site for a few years. They are building a new road over there now,the Jack Ranch Cafe is closed I hear. Thanks again for Sharing your adventures. 😊

[@Tiger-Fang-22]

Very good presentation Jeff, the crash picture you provided is brutal. Your history eneded so quickly.

[@naturetrails8357]

With sun shining and James Dean driving what appears way to fast , don’t think it would have been Donald Fault.

[@jbenziggy]

Speed or no speed, Turnupseed pulled directly in front of Dean’s path who had the right of way. Not being able to see the other car is really no legal defense. It’s like the same with the recent midair collision in DC. The plane had the “right of way” and the helicopter violated that air space despite apparently not seeing it.

[@briannave7326]

Thanks for another informative video.

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Another fascinating HH vid Jeff! Thnx for all your work! ~Chris

[@petemoss1951]

Great job! Always learning from you. Have a wonderful week.

[@karenmiller2642]

I knew there was a second person in the car with James Dean but never heard what became of him. Thank you

[@Ernie-x5b]

I met Mrs. Turnupseed shortly before her death. I was an electrical contractor at the time and she called me to do a few repairs cause her family members that were electricians were too busy. Very nice lady I’m glad I got to meet her.

[@gerrymaitland9799]

I've been through the area of the crash. Bad layout for sure. We visited Jimmy's grave and museum in Fairmount, IN. He gets lots of visitors. Thanks for sharing...

[@davidmanley9437]

I always enjoy watching your videos They are well researched and very informative

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate the compliment, I put a lot of work into them!

[@davidmanley9437]

@@jbenziggy and it is very obvious That is why I enjoy them so much

[@WayneKline]

Another great video Jeff, so nice and respectively done, well done!

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks so much. I put a lot of effort into those details!

[@connie2558]

Sad and interesting, thanks for all you do in highlighting people's lives.

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

As usual, learned a ton that I never knew about these people! Thanks!

[@jbenziggy]

You are welcome. I hope you enjoyed it.

[@garyreider6213]

Excellent video on this subject. Thanks so much

[@jbenziggy]

I’m happy you found it interesting!

[@danacalifornia9453]

The Tulare Museum has a nice display of Bob Mathias items you would enjoy seeing. Though Mr. Turnupseed was driving East, that western setting sun ( the direction James Dean was traveling toward) over the West hills is brutal and blinding. The crash occurred about 5:45 p.m. Just a few hundred more feet James Dean would have turned in a Southern direction, not toward the setting sun, toward Paso Robles and Hwy 101. Or, was he going to turn North on 41 also? Did you visit his memorial under the tree at the restaurant in Cholame just after you turn South on Hwy 46?

[@RichardJenkins-nv2wv]

Thank you for this very informative video. I have always wondered how James Dean would have done if he had lived.

[@tedmccullen7466]

Thanks for your hard work really enjoy your programs really enjoyable!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you for your kind words! I am glad you like my work, Ted!

[@kirkmacarthur8003]

This was great. Groucho clips were enjoyable. Matthias was an all around great guy.

[@jbenziggy]

I completely agree! Bob Mathias was a phenomenal athlete and seemed like a cool guy.

[@marydilley4455]

Morning Jeff and Sarah. Didn't know James had a passenger in the car. How awful for Turnupseed and Dean's 'driver' if they felt survivor guilt. It reall was Dean's fault anyway. I don't know how you find all the details and clips but you do a fantastic job as always. ❤❤❤

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for the compliment! I don’t see how it could be Dean’s fault no matter his speed. His right of way was violated in a most egregious manner. You can’t turn in front of someone that late and expect good results. The same thing recently happened in Turlock and an entire family was killed because dad pulled out in front of a speeding motorist.

[@kellygraftwalz8891]

Very interesting video ! So tragic about James Dean ! I loved James Dean even have model of his spyder. Sad what happened. Always wanted to know about Donald Turnipseed

[@carolchmielewski5313]

So interesting, Jeff! Hubby and I traveled all over this area, but never knew the accident location. Thanks!

[@suzzannelemarier3350]

Thank you. I didnt know of the second person in the car with Dean or how the accident occurred .

[@renar3618]

The Tulare water tower has a giant bendy straw! How funny! Good episode, Jeff. See you next time.

[@dianejohnson7235]

Enjoyed this video !!! It was so sad about his illness that cost him his life!

[@jbenziggy]

What illness?

[@mattbrem3788]

Great video! I was at cal poly around the time Donald died. He was well known and we felt sorry for him. I believe the overall public was ready to forgive him by then.

[@terrychapman8460]

This video was most interesting! Thanks Jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

I am glad you found it interesting. Thanks, Terry!

[@jeffbuege2683]

Yet another fascinating narrative Jeff.❤

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Jeff!!!

[@jeffgalley1224]

Another great video. Thanks!

[@greglopez8932]

Thank you for your video. That’s 10 minutes from my home in Visalia

[@AndrewMoyer-m5e]

Excellent video. A couple of corrections: the young man identified as Donald Turnupseed at 1:08-1:15 and again at 3:35-3:40 is actually Don Dooley, a passenger in another eastbound car behind Turnupseed’s and a witness to the accident. The actual Turnupseed is the young man in white t-shirt at 3:42-3:53. Reference On the Road to Salinas by Lee Raskin, pages 74-75 about Dooley. Also on pages 99-108 of the same book, read the very interesting transcript / deposition of Mr and Mrs John Robert White, whose westbound car Dean passed also going west at high speed, about an estimated mile east of the 466/41 intersection just before the crash “…in excess of 85 miles per hour. He might have been moving 110.” White and his wife both witnessed the crash. He was asked by a man at the accident scene to go to an ambulance service a mile further west at Cholame, then returned to the scene. He then talked to Turnupseed, who did not approach the Porsche wreck at all, was very concerned about “those poor guys”, and, per White, said that, “after he (Turnupseed) had started his turn and after he saw the car he attempted to pull back into the right lane of 466.” White also indicated that Dean actually survived the crash: “..woman who later someone said was a trained nurse (Kay Coombs) was attending to him (Dean) and said he had a pulse. He wasn’t moved until the ambulance came, when he was lifted from the car, placed on a stretcher, and the people on the stretcher (Paul Moreno and Collier ‘Buster’ Davidson, who you can see in the Dooley pics bending over the stretcher to put Wuetherich on it) remarked that he was breathing.”

[@rgs4x]

The stunt driver/ bad guy driving the black Dodge Charger in Bullitt was Bill Hickman. He was following Dean in a station wagon. He was one of the first people on the scene. He also was the Pontiac bad guy driver in the movie The Seven Ups.

[@philhofland5501]

Super cool story. Interesting tidbit.. Our paths crossed that day at the Fresno Air Terminal . Went with my 8th grade class on a field trip from Hanford to see Ford One stark memory of that day is that I learned one will never beat the crowd plowing through it Got the wild idea to go around the mob and doing so I was able to shake president Fords hand. its a principle that has served me well. the successful make their own path. least to some degree. love your series. Nicely done.

[@staceymay2655]

Jeff, I truly enjoy your channel. Gooddays to you..

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, you too!

[@georger2972]

What a great video and the narrator did a great job.

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate that, I tried to make it as interesting as possible!

[@nathanielalgernon975]

he always does a good job, good content.

[@oldermusiclover]

I remember Bob a little via books thanks for this video

[@michaelgrow8630]

Thumbs up. Informative. Thanks peace

[@jbenziggy]

Appreciate the peace, and thanks for watching!

[@Dills1995]

Dean’s racing team was following a few miles behind and came upon the accident scene. The head of the team was Bill Hickman who years later choreographed the famous race in Bullitt he was also the driver of the Charger.

[@jonathanhansen3709]

I grew up near Tulare and have seen both of these graves, along with James Dean‘s grave in Fairmont, Indiana. As well as the crash site on Highway 46 and Highway 41 . A very good friend of mine named Arthur Pursell, (born 1890) is also buried in the same cemetery in Tulare. Arthur lived three doors down from where Bob Matthias screw up. On King Street.

[@jbenziggy]

You mean where Bob Mathias grew up on King Street? You wrote screw up.

[@pattimessenger6214]

Thanks for the history!

[@mikewhite2aadvocacy172]

As others have said, I had never heard of the other person in the car or the other driver

[@AB-ye7bw]

Another in a long line of great episodes!

[@SteveTRYK]

I went to school with Turnupseed's neice! Cool video - thanks!

[@dorisbuchmann4164]

Thank you for this interesting story

[@jbenziggy]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@jamesHousos]

Jeff, You put out such interesting videos. No one does it better. Thank you.

[@jbenziggy]

I appreciate that very nice compliment!

[@MikeLaughlin-jt1ow]

Very interesting and well produced.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, I put a lot of effort into those details!

[@sherrycarney4924]

This was great Jeff! You hear about James Dean to adnauseam, but rarely do you hear about Turnipseed. I think the reason he wasn’t arrested or even ticketed in the accident is because they were both at fault. Dean was speeding, and his car was silver. Now we all know that silver cars are the most dangerous as the color blends into the road color and they are hard to distinguish from the road. And it appears Turnipseed stayed on the scene until the police allowed him to leave which is still a big deal too.

[@RedProg]

Thank you