Harry Kern was fatally injured in a multi-car accident which happened on the backstretch of the Anderson Speedway - also known as Sun Valley Speedway - in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana, during the 20th edition of the IMCA Little 500 Speed Classic, on Saturday, 25 May 1969.

On his 183rd lap, Harry Kern driving the Roger Hegg Ford #65, tangled harmlessly with Steve Lehnert of North Olmstead, Ohio, coming out of turn two, with Wayne Funk and Cy Fairchild piling into the cars blocking the track. Suddenly Chuck Lynch of Springfield, Illinois, rammed into the side of Kern's car, rode up over his cockpit and came down in flames.

Harry Kern, 42-year-old driver from St. Paul, Minnesota, died of his head and chest injuries at St. John's Hospital in Anderson, less than one hour after the four-car melee. Lynch was treated at hospital and released.

A downpour of rain halted the race after completion of 239th of 500-lap on late Saturday night. When racing resumed, the 1967 IMCA National Champion Karl Busson of Toledo, Ohio, managed to win the two-day, rain-interrupted, tragedy-marred Little 500 on Sunday, 26 May 1968.

This was reported to be the second death of a driver in the 20-year history of the 125-mile race. Frank Toth was killed on 27 May 1961 during the 'Twelfth Plus One' Little 500.

R.I.P