September 16, 2007

Rally champion Colin McRae dies with son in helicopter crashTom Gordon
THE former rally driving champion Colin McRae was killed and his five year-old son feared dead in a helicopter crash yesterday afternoon. The aircraft came down in Jerviswood, Lanarkshire, half a mile from the family's home and burst into flames just after 4pm.

Jean-Eric Freudiger, McRae's agent, said the 39-year-old driver had been piloting the helicopter himself. Also on board were believed to be his son Johnny, another adult - said by locals to be a school friend of McRae - and another child. McRae's wife Alison and their daughter Hollie, 9, were not on board, friends said.

Strathclyde police said in a statement: "Four people were onboard the helicopter," adding "The bodies were found within the helicopter which is owned by Mr Colin McRae of Jerviswood House, Lanark. It is believed he was onboard the helicopter."

McRae became Britain's first World Rally champion in 1995. He was one of the country's most successful sportsmen, achieving 25 wins in World Rally events and 42 podium places. He was a flamboyant driver, inspiring one the world's best-selling computer rally games.

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A legend of the road
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Shocking, was reading similiar reports on datnet earlier and just couldn't believe it!!

devastating for his wife and family, and the others family. my thoughts go out to them. he will be missed.

just read the same thing on Ozdat...

RIP COLIN, a true legend and ambasador for the sport.
I will miss him.

My son and I watched him compete here in the US at the X games a few weeks ago.

We were hoping that he would make up for last years roll over when he was last driver out, had fastest time and the finish line was in sight.

No such luck except he did redeem himself somewhat by rolling closer to the finish line this year!

And that was how he always drove - absolutely 10/10ths.

Sad to note that both he and his 555 teammate Possum Bourne have both been killed in non-racing accidents.

Thanks for the memories Colin.