James Dean's fatal car accident. Exact location. The place where James Dean, famous American actor, lost his life on September 30, 1955. It is officially marked with a sign that reads: "James Dean Memorial Junction." How did this happen? Ford Tudor was passing through an intersection while turning, ahead of the Dean's Porsche. Dean, unable to stop in time, slammed into the Ford resulting in Dean's car bouncing across the pavement onto the side of the highway. My Google Earth Tour in 4K