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Colin McRae dies in helicopter crash News
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by
Tom Bramwell
Rally driver Colin McRae - known to millions of gamers as the face of the Colin McRae Rally game series that he helped create - died along with his young son in a helicopter crash on Saturday.
The 39-year-old, an experienced pilot, had been flying a Twin Squirrel helicopter after a visit to a village near his home when it burst into flames. The crash also claimed the lives of his son Johnny's friend Ben Porcelli, 6, and Graeme Duncan, 37.
Senior figures throughout the world of motorsport have paid tribute to McRae, who became the first Briton to win the World Rally Championship drivers' title in 1995. David Richards, McRae's former boss at Subaru, told the BBC that he had an "extraordinary spirit that you just can't define".
McRae has been associated with the world of videogames for almost a decade - his relationship with British publisher Codemasters has seen him lend his name and considerable expertise to the creation of half a dozen acclaimed Colin McRae rally games.
Everyone at Eurogamer has been shocked and saddened to learn of this weekend's events, and our thoughts are with McRae's family.
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Fair play mate. Have Codemasters issued a statement? Well I guess it might be a little early for that, it's a crazy shock. I booted up DiRT in tribute. Especially saddening the 6 year old in there too, death is something thats always hard to get used to. When it's so senseless too...
How do you get away with working for an online gaming site and having no internet access where you live :p |
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BadBoyBonner
16/09/07 @ 21:04
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Makes you stop, think, shake your head and wonder what the “grand plan” is that can incorporate tragic event's such as this. Unfortunately I know exactly what it feels like to loose a parent as a child.
Deepest condolences to the Porcelli, Duncan and McRae families, and especially Alison and Hollie. |
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The_Inquisitor
16/09/07 @ 21:09
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Tragic news, he was an inspiration and a idol of the motoring world.
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Still can't believe this. So tragic, especially with his young son and his friend on board.
One of the greatest drivers motor sport ever saw. Sympathies to all families. Quite weired how Dave Richards suffered an accident in a helicopter. And a few years ago Scottish motorcycle racer Steve Hislop also died in a helicopter crash... |
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TrickyTreeUK
16/09/07 @ 22:55
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Terrible tragedy. First Richard Burns (34) now Colin McRae (39) :-(
May they rest in peace...
Edited 1 times,
most recently on 16/09/07 @ 23:55
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Terrible tragedy. First Richard Burns (34) now Colin McRae (39) :-(
May they rest in peace... Yeah, the countries only WRC champions now gone, both at such young ages. There is something ironic about drivers who survive a motorsport career only be lost prematurely in other accidents. Although Richard Burns died from and illness rather than accident, and it was that illness that cut his career short... |
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spindizzy2
16/09/07 @ 23:28
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Just to echo what the rest have said - thanks EG for posting this, and my thoughts are with his family: I never really got into the games, but spent many an evening watching the man himself. His talent and enthusiasm (well, probably bloody-mindedness ;-) was incredible.
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Junglist95
17/09/07 @ 06:05
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Deepest sympathy goes to the familys left behind, tragic that such young lives should end in this way.
May they rest in peace |
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OldK1ngCole
17/09/07 @ 07:56
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RIP Colin.
British Motorsport will never be the same again. My thoughts and prayers are with the Mcrae, Duncan, and Porcelli families.
Edited 1 times,
most recently on 17/09/07 @ 08:57
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The thing I always admired was he always looked like he was driving on the ragged edge always a hair out of control. I guess that made him perfect for the games since we get to play like that without the risks.
So many amasing crashes.... he never got scared and could be expected to be seen laughing and joking afterwards. I don't think I ever saw him criticise his team once. Terrible sadness for all those involved, to lose so many loved ones and friends. |
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That_Happy_Cat
17/09/07 @ 08:31
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I only heard about this on the radio this morning and felt awful. I never watch rally but I've always payed the games. It's strange that I'm effectively showing grief for the loss of "digital" Colin. I guess when you grow up with a name you'l always feel something.
My bst friend and I, when I passed my driving test years 10 years ago used to make a joke about copying his Focus advert where he'd hold his hands up and turn them around? I'd totally forgotten about that until today... think I'll give my friend a call tonight.
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most recently on 17/09/07 @ 11:29
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Just to add my condolences to the list.
Reminds me of a national rally legend in Ireland, Bertie Fisher, who also tragically died with 2 of his sons when he crashed his helicopter. Such a similar fate to another motorsport great. McRae was a legend alright, he and Burns will be postin some times round the heavens by now! |
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