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http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3162862


Colin McRae Dies in Helicopter Crash
Famous off-road racer survived by wife, daughter.
By Steve Watts, 09/17/2007

A tragedy struck the world of both racing and gaming as Colin McRae died in a helicopter crash near his home on Saturday. McRae is best known in the gaming world for his off-road Rally series of racing games, which was recently re-branded as DiRT and received warm critical reception.
The Associated Press reports that McRae, a licensed helicopter pilot, was flying with his 5-year-old son, 6-year-old Ben Porcelli and 37-year-old Graeme Duncan when the crash occurred. McRae and his three passengers were pronounced dead. He was 39.

CodeMasters, the publisher of McRae's games, published a statement reflecting on McRae's time and relationship with their company. "For over ten years, Colin was part of the Codemasters family and it was a privilege to have a man recognised as a true legend on the team. He always took a keen interest in the game experience, wanting to make sure it was without equal in its portrayal of the sport."

The statement went on to discuss not only how McRae's love of the sport influenced the games, but how the games brought new life to the sport. "His contribution was inspirational and brought his technical expertise and passion for rally driving to each and every McRae game. Through the popularity of those games, he brought a whole new audience to the sport itself."

Accompanying his passion for helping create the driving series, McRae's life has been full of accomplishments of all types; from 25 World Rally Championship wins to receiving a Member of the British Empire award from Queen Elizabeth II in 1996. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Our thoughts are with the McRae, Duncan and Porcelli families during this difficult time. The official Colin McRae site has opened a public book of condolences for fans to sign.