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Paul Dana Obituary
By MIKE HARRIS
AP Motorsports Writer
HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) – Driver Paul Dana died after a two-car crash Sunday during the warmup for the season-opening IRL IndyCar Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The other driver, Ed Carpenter, was awake and alert at a Miami hospital, IRL officials said.
Dana, 30, a former motorsports journalist with a degree from Northwestern, was a rookie who competed in three IRL races for Ethanol Hemelgarn Racing last year with a best finish of 10th in the race at Homestead.
The Toyota Indy 300 race was expected to be run as scheduled. Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Racing for which Dana was to race this season, said the team's other two cars - driven by Danica Patrick and Buddy Rice - will be pulled out of the race.
"Obviously, this is a very black day for us," Rahal said. "This is a great tragedy."
Carpenter spun and hit the wall moments after the practice began at 10 a.m. EST. As Carpenter's battered car slid to a stop, Dana slammed into it at almost full speed - about 200 mph.
Dana's car nearly split in half. The chassis flew about 6 feet off the ground and pieces were strewn down the track. It nearly turned over, but landed on its wheels before sliding to a halt.
It took track safety workers about 15 minutes to get both drivers out of their cars. The practice session did not resume.
Dana and Carpenter, the stepson of IRL founder Tony George, both were airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. IRL officials said Dana died shortly before noon.
Vision Racing team general manager Larry Curry said he was told Carpenter "would be fine."
Dana is the first IRL driver killed since Tony Renna died in a crash during testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in October 2003. The last NASCAR driver killed was Dale Earnhardt in February 2001, and the last driver to die in Formula One was Ayrton Senna in May 1994.
It is the third racing death at the Homestead track - John Nemechek was killed in a NASCAR truck race in February 1997 and Jeff Clinton died in a Grand Am sports car event at the track in March 2002.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
147 Entries
Cheryl Monk
March 31, 2018
You were my favorite IndyCar racer. I miss you Paul
aastha gera
December 20, 2017
U were just 7 days older than my favourite racer Greg Moore rest in peace hero miss u u were going to show us ur talent but unfortunately u were gone no problem u are alive in my heart
How you can show support
January 30, 2016
On my mind ......
Bonnie Andrews
May 13, 2014
Paul- You had a dream and made the dream come true - So many days goes by that we think of you -thinking about working on your show car, in Kansas - they forgot it - so we planned to get it back to Indy one way or other - I could just see us towing back to The shop in Indy from Kansas behind my mini-van
March 29, 2014
missing you everyday
Stacei
March 26, 2014
Thinking of you, many others are as well ....!
John Bernier
March 25, 2013
Paul,
I remember the many summer days at Six Flags with you Julie and Greg. You and your family were part of the happiest moments of my life.
You may be gone but you will not be forgotten.
John
Stacey
March 25, 2013
I still have your copy of your favorite book you gave me, with your name in it, incase someone tried to mistake it for their own. The bookmark that your put in it that was a pic of you and I is no longer there but I look thru it hoping it will appear. You were and remain a big part of me, all the memories I have of our times together.
Stacey
March 25, 2013
Thinking of you and wishing that I'd still get my day of bumping into you and the ackward hello and then getting to catch up on all the time that has past since we'd spoken last.... I MISS YOU!!!
September 16, 2011
No day goes by that you don't cross my mind..... with love your friend, Stacey
Cheryl Cloux
November 30, 2006
Dear Paul, I miss you so much. I was a fan of Indy Car until March, 26. Now, I cannot watch a race with the same feeling like before. So I don't watch Indy Car anymore. It's not the same without you.
Perhaps you are racing in heaven, but you will stay in my heart forever.
I will never forget you, never. I admire you so much. You are one of my favourite drivers. Take care of you where you live now. I love you. Rest In Peace forever.
Cheryl
JAN FILSINGER
July 26, 2006
May you be at peace and watch your favorite sport from above. You were too young to leave this earth.
Jeff Boedges
April 25, 2006
I didn't know Paul but was a fan. I'm a native St. Louisan living in NYC and of course, I always try to keep up with local heros. Paul represented much of what I love about my home town, he was a scrapper that made good on a dream. He climbed his mountain and made it to the top. The entire Dana family has my respect and my condolences.
Jeff Boedges
victor jewell
April 22, 2006
we wish you were here with us paul, but we will see you in heaven.
Stacey
April 15, 2006
Happy Birthday Paul!
Brandi Lana
April 7, 2006
REST IN ETERNAL PEACE. MAY GOD COMFORT YOUR FAMILY IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
Jennifer H.
April 6, 2006
To the family and race family of Mr. Paul Dana,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!! May God bless and comfort all of you!
jo lemin
April 6, 2006
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
chris young
April 5, 2006
my thought and prayers go out to the family but we know he is racing with some of the greats on the streets of gold in heaven
Susie Janow
April 5, 2006
My Prayers are with the Dana Family
Mark C
April 5, 2006
When I heard that Paul had died I figured it was just a rumor. When it was finally confirmed I was saddened beyond belief. To all of Paul's family and friends, I am truly sorry for your loss.
Nick Jachimiec
April 5, 2006
RIP Paul your death was tragic and unnecessary.
Mindy Simmons
April 4, 2006
My prayers are with the Dana family in these tough times. Paul was a great racer and will be never be forgotten.
Pat Johnson
April 4, 2006
I.am saddened..by Paul's ..death., R.I.P. Paul
Paper
Chris Wolfe
April 4, 2006
I'm so sorry about the loss of a father and a rookie driver. On the way home from my grandmas I cryed and cryed because Paul Dana died. Even though I didn't know him that much I still pray for the family of Paul Dana. After I saw the crash I was so scared. I wish he would have been o.k.! I'm so sorry. My heart goes out to them.
Chris
April 3, 2006
I am saddened by Pauls Death. My heart and prayers go out to his team and family. God bless you all during this very difficult time.
Joe Burgarino
April 3, 2006
My condolences go out to your family, i had a chance to meet paul at the milwaukee mile in 2005, he will be missed terribly.
Joel & Tina Feddersen
April 3, 2006
Our hearts sunk when we heard the news. It has been over a decade since we saw Paul but in our memories it seems like yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Dana family. Blessing to each of you.
Jeanne Boedges
April 3, 2006
Fred,
As a parent, I especially want to convey my condolences to you during your time of loss. Losing a child, no matter how old, has to be one of the most difficult times in a parent's life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John & Janet Soden
April 1, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers will be with the Dana Family. May God be with you.
John & Kathy McGuire
March 31, 2006
Dear Fred and Mary,
Not knowing for sure when we saw the news clip on Sunday, we feared that the accident might be involving your son, Paul. We have kept you, Tonya and the rest of your family in our prayers all week and just want you to know how very sorry we are for your loss. From all the condolences on this site alone, hopefully you can take comfort in knowing how Paul touched so many lives for the better during his short lifetime. Paul's legacy is surely a reminder to each and every one of us of how very fragile our lives truly are. You were so blessed to be his parents and he was blessed to have been your son. Our hearts and thoughts and prayers will continue to go out to all of you in the days ahead.
The McKelvey Family
March 31, 2006
I was so sorry to hear about Paul Dana's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and his family. May God Bless You!
Angela and Scott McKelvey and children
Drema Campbell
March 31, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Dana family. Many caring thoughts are with you during this difficult time. You will be in my prayers.
Richard Kolodgie
March 31, 2006
May God bless the Dana Family.
God Speed Paul Dana.
Kim Ulmer
March 31, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the Dana family at this difficult time.
bill
March 31, 2006
paul was my 3rd cousin. he will be missed by many.
debbie parker
March 31, 2006
wow! i cant believe this has happend.my heart goes out to the paul dana family and friends,i am surely going to miss you ,i was your biggest fan.R.I.P.
DEBBIE PARKER
Shirley Davis
March 31, 2006
My heartfelt condolence in you loss.
Nancy Womack
March 31, 2006
God Bless the Dana Family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Paul will be miss by many.
K.E. McKinnon
March 30, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with Paul's wife and his family as they try to get through this horrific time.
Patricia Winston
March 30, 2006
My deepest sympathy to the Dana family. May his spirit and joie de vivre live within your hearts forever.
A Fan
March 30, 2006
My heart is saddened by this terrible loss. My prayers are for his family & friends.
Bradley&Tammy&Ashly Evans
March 30, 2006
Our prayers and condolence are with you Paul Dana and family.Just remember him as what he like to do race (WIN) and go fast.
martin olguin
March 30, 2006
SORRY WHAT HAPPEN MAY GOD BE WITH
YOU
Mary Grafing
March 30, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Paul Dana and all of those who raced with him.
Kelly Hanson
March 30, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dana family.
Jeff Sampica
March 30, 2006
God's speed to you Paul. You are with the Father and His Angel's are with your family. Rest in peace and with this thought......Your family is truly in God's hands and He will carry them thru this ordeal. May we all pray for his family.
Mauricio Rivas
March 30, 2006
My deepest condolence to the Family,
sincerly, from El Salvador, Central America
LARRY PRATT
March 30, 2006
WITH DEEPEST REGRETS AND ALL MY SYMPATHY, LARRY
Lisa Valencia
March 29, 2006
May all the blessings from the angels above, wrap there wings around your dear family at this very sad and difficult time, may God watch them and keep them in his arms. You so very much will be forever missed and respected.
Jimmy Dalton
March 29, 2006
May God continue to watch over your family,at this time,Paul will alway's be with you watching over you on the bad & Good Days.God Bless you
David Armstrong
March 29, 2006
Our prayers are with the Family and Friends of Paul Dana and also The Letterman Team. We are sorry for your loss. May God be with you all. The Armstrong Family
Rhonda
March 29, 2006
My heart goes out to all that knew and loved him. I did not know him personally but I have friends that did and I am so sorry for their loss. God Speed Paul.
Harriet Sena
March 29, 2006
May your family know that many people are praying for you at the sudden and tragic loss of Paul. May Heavenly Father bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand and give you peace and comfort.
amber wilcox
March 29, 2006
my depest regards to the family.im truley sorry for the loss of your loved one.you all are in my prayers.
Roger Fuhrman
March 29, 2006
Paul made a big impact during his short time in racing. He will be missed by many.
Karen Winans
March 29, 2006
Bless Pauls family and know he died doing what he loved to do best!
March 29, 2006
Please accept my sympathies. Losing Paul Dana is such a tragedy. May you have peace, hope and comfort from the true God.
Robert Daniel
March 29, 2006
My Family sends its condolences to you and your family, I am not a big race fan, but a loss of a loved one is tragic. Godd bless you and your family
Susie Gilpin
March 29, 2006
The IRL has lost one of its best up and comming drivers. He will never be replaced,and never forgotten.
The Brawners
March 29, 2006
Sorry for your Loss! May the Lord Jesus Christ be with you and your family in this time of need.
Tami
March 29, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with family & Friends sorry for the loss God Bless !
linda long
March 29, 2006
Does one have to know personally Mr. Dana? When someone dies suddenly I think it all reminds us how truly precious are lives our. I've lost some that wanted to go and some that had no choice. Mr. Dana was in a car he believed in, living a life he had faith in and within a dream he made real. He was 20 years old. I am 34 years old and I haven't even begun to dream or know what I want to be or accomplish. Again, a beautiful life shortened on earth. I know God had a purpose. Maybe he needed a fast driver in heaven!!! Whatever his reason, God's got one hell of an angel up there with him now!!!! God bless your pain and until we see Paul again,"GODSPEED"......
Kellie
March 28, 2006
I was upset to hear about Paul, words cannot express how deepley I am sadden about this, our loss is Heaven's gain. May God be with you in this time of need. may he rest in peice. And be with us in our hearts. God Bless the Dana Family!
James Robinson
March 28, 2006
Paul Dana Family - The world shares your sadness and grief at this time. Always remember that Paul was living his dream. May it be some comfort to know that friends you have never met share in your tragic loss. My prayers are with you and Paul.
Sue P
March 28, 2006
A young life taken way too soon. A parent's worst nightmare. Having lost a child at age 20 I feel so badly for his family. You will be in my prayers, as will your brave young man.
maxcell leon
March 28, 2006
i am so saddened by the loss. my best wishes and condolences
Paige Jensen
March 28, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dana family. Paul touched so many lives and will truely be missed. God Bless!
Alicia Queen
March 28, 2006
God bless Dana's family and friends. You all will be in my prayers.
March 28, 2006
Our deepest sympathy to Paul's family and his racing family. May God bless you and keep you in this most difficult time. Paul will not be forgotten.
tania arellano
March 28, 2006
hay
March 28, 2006
God bless and let your family find comfort in this time. Rest in peace Paul
Dana Taylor
March 28, 2006
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sadness. No words can help only time. God Bless
Carla White
March 28, 2006
God bless the Dana family!
wendy pietromonico
March 28, 2006
TO THE DANA FAMILY, MY TOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME. GOD TOOK A GOOD PERSON. HE WAS A GREAT RACE CAR DRIVER. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. FROM WENDY PIETROMONICO
Barbara Williams
March 28, 2006
To the Dana Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Paul, but that doesn't matter. My heart is heavy for your family. I have prayed for you and will continue to pray for you. Be encouraged, God is with you always.
Gilles Lonteen
March 28, 2006
My family and I want to express our deepest sympathy to the Paul Dana family. JMJ
Mandi Carver
March 28, 2006
My thoughts and Prayers are with your family
Linda Nettles
March 28, 2006
My heart was touched at your loss.I feel that this was such a tragedy because of his young age. I am so sorry for your family. I Pray God will Keep you in his Loving Arms and help with the hurt and pain.
Stacey Hughes
March 28, 2006
My thoughts, prayer& tears go out to the Dana Family & friends & fans. Letting go of someone I hold so dearly in my life. The passing of a best friend, you will never be forgotten P.F.Dana.
Bill Harman
March 28, 2006
May the Dana family rest in peace JESUS came and grabbed Pauls hand on Sunday and said your job is done here on earth I need you in HEAVEN come with me, and Paul is resting in peace with Jesus by his side GOD BLESS
Elaine Price-te Meij & Family
March 28, 2006
God be with you, the Dana Family, in your loss. Our hearts hurt to think you lost Paul at such a young age and in such a tragic way. You are in our thoughts and in our prayers. God is holding him in his hands.
Sincerely,
Paul Schuetz
March 28, 2006
Paul Dana, My all your Races in HEAVEN be "WINNERS" GOD BLESS. Paul :-)
Robert Watkins
March 28, 2006
God Bless the Dana Family. My family is praying for his family and with the belief in God they will get thru this.
Lori & Don Wallace
March 27, 2006
Our DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF PAUL DANA, May GOD be with you in these difficult times. Our prayers are with you.
robin greenwood
March 27, 2006
YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED. WE ALL AT UNITY HEALTH IN MUSCATINE,IOWA MOST OF US FANS WILL REMEMBER U ALWAYS.
shirley taylor
March 27, 2006
So very sorry for your loss. God bless and confort you.
Scott Urfer
March 27, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dana family during this difficult time. This is a great loss for sports fans. God bless you!
Dottie Huebner
March 27, 2006
Our prayers are with you doing this time. He'll be missed by all. God bless you and your family
Mackenzee Iszler
March 27, 2006
I am sorry to here about the death of your husband. best wishes to you and your family.
Kris Browning
March 27, 2006
I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless all the drivers so that there are no more deaths in the near future.
Misty Gavin
March 27, 2006
My thoughts are with the Dana Family at this sad time. It's always hard to loss a great driver, another sad loss in the IRL racing family my everyone who knew him closely get through this rough time together. My deepest condolences.
bruce
March 27, 2006
sorry to hear of your lost may god bless the dana family and friends.
Michelle
March 27, 2006
May God be with the family He seemed like a good Man.God only takes the best,your loss is Heaven's Gain it always feels nice knowing there is someone up there on your side.God Speed
Connie Hamil
March 27, 2006
God bless you and your family!
John Hendricks
March 27, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved Paul.I pray for comfort to you all in this time of heartache.
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