Rally Champion Colin McRae Dies With Son In Helicopter Crash

[Nomad559]

Source: Times Online

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 and another child. Police said there were no survivors.

McRae's wife Alison and their daughter Hollie, 9, were not on board, friends said.

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.

The helicopter came down within half a mile of McRae's home, Jervis House, a 16th-century tower house, which has an adjacent helipad. The weather had been overcast, with a light breeze, but visibility was good.

Read more: http://timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/article2461339.ece

[Tommy_J]

1. AAHhhh!

RIP.

[Kagemusha]

2. I only know of him from his relationship to a rally video game. RIP.

Terrible.

[BrklynLiberal]

3. How sad.

[frylock]

4. damn..

I always enjoyed watching Colin and Nicky. Rest in peace, Colin.

[madrchsod]

5. he was safer driving his car flat out

than a dam copter....lost nascar driver davey allison the same way

[Bombero1956]

6. very sad

I have to think that people involved in motorsports somehow live their lives on the edge and think that flying is an extension of their ability as a driver. Most Nascar drivers are also pilots and most fly themselves to and from the race tracks.

[shenmue]

7. Just very sad

:cry:

My thoughts go out to the families.