Ernie Tripke dies at 88; CHP officer responded to James Dean crash scene

[Omaha Steve]

Source: LA Times



By Dennis McLellan, Los Angeles Times

As a California Highway Patrol officer in San Luis Obispo County, Ernie Tripke had never heard of James Dean before Sept. 30, 1955.

But from that day forward, Tripke never quite escaped being asked about the day he responded to the two-car crash that took the life of the young Hollywood star at the rural junction of Highways 41 and 466 (now Highway 46) near Cholame.

Tripke, 88, one of two CHP officers who arrived at the scene of the crash, died of heart and lung problems Tuesday in a skilled nursing facility in San Luis Obispo, said his daughter, Julie Tripke.

On that September afternoon more than 55 years ago, the 24-year-old Dean and his 28-year-old German mechanic, Rolf Wuetherich, were on their way to a car race in Salinas.



Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-ernie-tripke-20101226,0,4503693.story

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Then-CHP Officer Ernie Tripke had not heard of James Dean when Tripke arrived at the scene of the car wreck that killed the actor in 1955. (Julie Tripke)

[virgogal]

1. Astonishing that this is even worth being published. I'm sure

Officer Tripke saw lots ot accidents in his long career and he's remembered for this "celebrity" one.

[man4allcats]

2. RIP, Ernie.

Say hello to Jimmy when you see him.