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On this day in history October 12, 1940, silent-film star Tom Mix dies in Arizona car wreck

Tom Mix met a tragic end near Florence, Arizona when he lost control of his speeding Cord Phaeton convertible
PUBLISHED OCT 12, 2023
Tom Mix is known as the cowboy star of the silent era (Getty Images)
Tom Mix is known as the cowboy star of the silent era (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: On October 12, 1940, Hollywood lost one of its most iconic cowboy movie stars, Tom Mix, in a tragic accident near Florence, Arizona.

Mix, who was 60 years old at the time, lost control of his speeding Cord Phaeton convertible, which rolled into a dry wash.

The location of this accident, now known as the Tom Mix Wash, serves as a lasting memorial to the legendary cowboy.

Tom Mix - From real cowboy to silver screen hero

Tom Mix's journey to fame was as remarkable as the roles he portrayed on the silver screen. Born in Driftwood, Pennsylvania, Mix was a genuine cowboy with a remarkable past.

Mix had served in the Spanish-American War, the Boxer Rebellion, and the Boer War. He took on the responsibilities of a sheriff in Kansas, a US marshal in Oklahoma, and even served as a Texas Ranger.

Interestingly, his Hollywood story began while he was a drum major in the Oklahoma Territorial Cavalry band back in 1909.

Tom Mix was a silent film superstar

Despite the unconventional path to Hollywood, Mix's star shone brightly. His remarkable career saw him star in 370 full-length Westerns, often alongside his famous horse, Tony.

During the zenith of his fame, Mix was the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, earning a staggering $17,500 per week, equivalent to approximately $218,000 today.

Tom Mix's transition to talkies

However, the advent of talking pictures presented a unique challenge for Mix and Tony.

Some attribute their difficulties in the transition to Mix's high-pitched voice, which seemed at odds with his macho cowboy image.

Others suggest that the introduction of dialogue-heavy films clashed with Mix's preference for action-packed sequences over heartfelt conversations.

Tom Mix's tragic end

On a fateful day in 1940, as Mix was driving north from Tucson in his beloved bright-yellow Cord Phaeton sports car, he met with a tragedy.

Ignoring or failing to notice warning signs of a missing bridge ahead, Mix's car veered into a gully.

In the backseat, heavy aluminum suitcases turned into projectiles, and one struck him in the back of the head, resulting in a fatal neck injury.

 Tom Mix's haunting legacy

Today, the 'Suitcase of Death' remains a poignant artifact at the Tom Mix Museum in Dewey, Oklahoma.

This museum keeps alive the memory of a cowboy star who, despite the dramatic ups and downs in his life and career, left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the Western film genre.

Tom Mix's legacy as a Hollywood cowboy icon endures, reminding us of the triumphs and tragedies of a bygone era in cinema.

From his silent film triumphs to his untimely demise, Mix's life story continues to captivate and fascinate those who appreciate the magic of the silver screen.

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