We will never know but one report said that he died as a result of his injuries and Pneumonia so it is possible that he may have not been 100% fit at the time. Another thing to consider is (as mentioned previously) if he may have been trying too hard to keep pace with the Wunderkind of the time, Schorsch Meier. Meier was greatly affected by the incident and said privately on his return to Munich the he did not want to race at the TT again. However many years later he did return for a parade lap it must have been a poignant moment seeing that plaque passing through Ballough.