Francis "Earl" Devore (December 2, 1889 – November 12, 1928) was an American

racecar driver Auto racing (also known as car racing, motor racing, or automobile racing) is a motorsport involving the racing of automobiles for competition. Auto racing has existed since the invention of the automobile. Races of various sorts were organi ...

. Devore and fellow driver

Norman Batten Norman Batten (April 30, 1893 – November 12, 1928) was an American racecar driver active in the 1920s. He is one of two drivers that won the Indy500 the year before becoming a Rookie in the Indy500, when Norman provided relief help for Peter D ...

were aboard the SS ''Vestris'' ocean liner when it sank. He is credited with saving the lives of his wife, and Batten's wife. Both Batten and Devore were lost at sea. Reports indicate that Devore was eaten by a shark in the icy waters. His son Billy also become a racecar driver.

Indianapolis 500 results

References

Old Racing Cars page

Motorsport Memorial page
1889 births 1928 deaths Deaths due to shipwreck at sea Indianapolis 500 drivers People from Stafford County, Kansas Racing drivers from Kansas AAA Championship Car drivers Deaths due to shark attacks {{US-autoracing-bio-stub