Colin McRae Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LONDON (AP) - Colin McRae, whose fascination with cars grew into an obsession that led him to 25 wins in a World Rally Championship career, was killed Saturday in a helicopter crash along with his 5-year-old son and two others, police said. He was 39.

McRae was piloting the helicopter, which he owned and was licensed to fly, when it crashed Saturday in a wooded area near his home.

McRae raced in the World Rally Championship from 1987 until 2004, becoming champion in 1995. He also took part in the Paris to Dakar rally, the Le Mans 24 hour race, the Race of Champions and the X Games.

McRae also lent his name to a best-selling computer game, but it was his flamboyant racing style that earned fans in all types of motorsport and lifted the profile of rallying in Britain.

Two other people also died in the crash - 6-year-old Ben Porcelli and 37-year-old Graeme Duncan. The aircraft was badly burned, making it impossible for police to immediately identify the occupants.

The son of five-time British rally champion Jimmy McRae, Colin McRae was competing on motorbikes by age 7. He competed in his first rally in 1985, but qualified as a plumber while he built his racing career, which kicked off when he became the British rally champion in 1991 and 1992.

He lifted the world title in 1995, and was runner-up in 1996, 1997 and 2001. He won 25 races in a World Rally Championship career that ran from 1987 to 2004. He made intermittent appearances on the WRC circuit until 2006.

McRae's success on the rally circuit led to a computer game "Colin McRae Rally," first released in 1998, which is now found on PlayStation, Game Boy, Xbox and PSP platforms.

McRae received an MBE award in 1996 from Queen Elizabeth II. He was married and also has a daughter.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press

Not sure what to say?

Get email updates for this page

Posting Guidelines|FAQ

Colin McRaes Surviving Family,
I just wanted to let you know my wife and I had our first baby boy on October 1st, 2009. Colin was such an insperation to my whole family we decided to name our son after him, our sons full name will be Colin McRae Tyler. Just wanted to let you know even in the United States we as Americans appreciate what Colin did for the sport of Rally and his never quit attitude! Just wanted to let you know he is still very much loved world wide. Thanks Curtis Alan...

Curtis Tyler

October 12, 2009 | Oakdale, CA

colin mcrae is a legend and will always be in my hart when i drive when i sleep when i walk when i talk he will be with me till i die i had a liver trans plant when i was 11 moths old and had a lung operation when i was 15 now iam 19 i was only giving my teen years and after that the hospital wasnt sure i think iam the longest living person and the youngest with a liver trans plant iam not sure but as ive had a liver trans plant i cant thank colin enough for all he has enbraced me and other...

joseph robert edward scott

November 07, 2007 | Scottland

Dear Colin...may you and wee Johnny rest in peace, together forever. God bless. xxx

Elizabeth De Rosa

October 14, 2007 | Glasgow, Scotland

I RALLIED ALONG SIDE COLIN WHEN HE FIRST STARTED& WHATCHED/MARSHALLED THE RAC/RALLY GB FOR 20+YEARS, COLIN WILL BE SADLY MISSED, GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY

STUART BROOKS

October 01, 2007 | ALBOX,SPAIN

Trust in the knowledge that Colin McRae touched many many people worldwide frum the time he entered the motor sport arena and inspired many people to follow their dreams. May that knowledge comfort you in your time of need.

Angela Mayers

September 20, 2007 | Barbados

Colin never have i seen a more technical driver in my life. No matter what, in my eyes you are the best of the best and even though i live so far away my dream in life was to one day meet you and have you show me how it is really done. I am talking of the famous flat out driving that you so skillfully do, my heart goes out to your family and your dad JIMMY cause he too has alot to do with the best motorsports driver there is and that is you COLIN. You will never ever be forgotten cause you...

David King

September 20, 2007 | BARBADOS

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome...

Janet Bowden

September 20, 2007 | Eldon

I didn't know you or your son, but my heart aches for all your family members and to the families of your passengers. You will all be in my prayers tonight. I am so sorry for your loss and pain.

Lois Bateman-Staveley

September 19, 2007 | Chateauguay, QC

Thank you for your contribution to others. God bless your family and friends!

Nathan Kauffman

September 19, 2007 | Rochester, NY

Colin McRae

Obituary

Guest Book