Indy car race veteran David "Salt" Walther, who survived one of the most infamous wrecks in Indy 500 history, has died at the age of 65. The Montgomery County Coroner's Office in Trottwood, Ohio, confirmed Walther's passing, but said the cause of death has not yet been determined.
Although Walther drove in the “500” six times in the 1970s, he is best known for the devastating crash he was involved in at the start of the 1973 race. As the field approached the start line, Walther's car was launched into the catch fence after colliding with another car. The impact tore the car apart and sprayed burning fuel into the grandstands, injuring several spectators. Walther suffered serious injuries but returned to race the following year, finishing 17th. His best finish at Indy was ninth, in 1976.
In addition to Indy cars, Walther went on to race in NASCAR events, finishing 12th in the 1976 Daytona 500. He also competed in unlimited hydroplane races.