Sunday 16th September 2007
STATEMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF COLIN McRAE’S FAMILY Speaking on behalf of the whole family, Colin’s father, Jim McRae, said today:
“It is with much sadness and regret that we have to make this statement.
It is unbelievable that Colin and Johnny’s lives have been taken so prematurely and in such a tragic manner.
Colin was a great son, a loving husband to Alison and a fantastic father to Johnny and his big sister Hollie. Johnny was a great wee guy, spending every spare minute with his dad, and even at this early stage it looked like he had the potential to carry on the family dynasty.
Our thoughts are also very much with the families of Ben Porcelli and Graeme Duncan. Ben was a great buddy of Johnny’s and they had always spent a lot of time together both in and out of school. Graeme, who now resides in France, had been a close friend of Colin’s since their schooldays and was back in Lanark on holiday.
We are thankful for the overwhelming number of messages of support we have received from all around the world. Colin was very much an inspiration and role model to motorsport fans the world over.
As you can imagine this is a very difficult time for the family and we would ask that our privacy be respected and we be allowed to grieve in private.”
HELICOPTER CRASH – JERVISWOOD, LANARK Regarding yesterday’s helicopter crash at Jerviswood, Lanark, it has now been confirmed that there were four people, two adults and two young children on board.
Although a post mortem has still to take place, the four involved are believed to be:
Mr Colin McRae (39) of Jerviswood House and his son Johnny Gavin McRae, aged 5.
Ben Porcelli (6), of Cleghorn Road, Lanark, who had been over playing with Johnny, and family friend Graeme Duncan (37), of L’Ile Degaillot, Faycelles, France.
Chief Superintendent Tim Love, Divisional Commander, South Lanarkshire Division, said today:
“We believe that the group were just returning from a visit to the nearby village of Quarter around 1605 hours yesterday, when it appears that the helicopter got into difficulty and crashed within the grounds of Mr McRae’s family home.
“Our officers are working closely with the Air Accident Investigation Team who are presently at the scene.
“Family Liaison Officers have been appointed and are with the families to help them through this distressing and difficult time.”
September 17th, 2007 at 2:05 am
i am 30 old big rally fan from finland and i have 6 old son too
i am very sad what happened, angels is crying everywhere.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:04 am
Someone just posted a poll on our site regarding the death of Rally driver Colin Mcrae. Vote to keep the name of the video game!
September 17th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
It is just impossible to believe in it…
Words cannot express…
The best rally driver ever…
You will always be remembered, and you are alive in our hearts still on the track struggling for the victory…
Competition, pure speed itself – that is what you were…
Failure is not an option!
Pedal To The Metal!!!
September 18th, 2007 at 10:51 am
in my eyes he was the best driver…ever !
frip from israel
September 19th, 2007 at 5:14 am
r.i.p. you were my rallye hero and i will miss u so much .
September 24th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
U were the best rally driver and will be for ever.Rallying will never be the same again.
January 30th, 2008 at 4:43 am
U WERE THE BEST RALLY DRIVER EVA AND IF U WER AS GUD AT FLYING AS U WERE DRIVIN YOU WUD BE ALL DIRTY NW
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January 30th, 2008 at 4:47 am
A FANCYED THE ARSS OF IM E WAS MA IDLE THE HELICOPTER STEERING WAS HARD 2 HANDLE DWN DWN U WENT WIV UR SON GOIN MENTLE THEN CRASHED IN THE GROUND THAT WAS MENTLE