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the Exposition grounds when Baster sent him to a mid west engagement, so Bocquel was sent to San Diego to fulfill the contract. Flying the Curtiss OX-powered Art Smith biplane, Bocquel was killed at San Diego on November 4, 1916, at age 32. He was survived by his wife and daughter. It was to have been his last day there and he was to receive an accolade from the Fair officials for his excellent work. He was making what he called his "corkscrew twist" when he lost control and crashed within the Exposition grounds.

Flying Pioneer Joe Bocquel had quickly developed into a very daring and promising exhibition star. Well liked and highly regarded by all who knew him, it was tragic that he lost his life so soon after learning to fly. He desperately wanted to become "one of the very best" and many of those in the flying game thought he was rapidly becoming one of the top stunt pilots in the country.

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