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McRae killed in chopper crash (update)

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Rally legend Colin McRae is feared dead after his chopper crashed near his home in Lanark, Scotland. McRae, fameous as a rally driver, was World Rally Champion in 1995. He drove one BTCC race in 1992. At Knockhill he scored one point driving a BMW 318is.

McRae’s helicopter crashed at his estate, a mile from his house, shortly after 4.00 pm. “Around 1610 hours on Saturday, 15 September 2007, emergency services were called to a helicopter crash in Jerviswood, east of the A73 at Lanark,” the police said in a statement.

“We can confirm that four people were onboard the helicopter, which crashed in wooded area, in Jerviswood, Lanark,” the police said.

“The bodies were found within the helicopter, which is owned by Mr Colin McRae of Jerviswood House, Lanark.”

“It is believed he was onboard the helicopter, however until formal identification has taken place, we will not be able to confirm the identities of those onboard.

“Police remain at the scene where a thorough search of the area continues. Air Accident Investigators will carry out a full investigation into the cause of the crash.”

British newspaper the Sunday Times reported that McRae’s five-year-old son Johnny was onboard the helicopter and is also feared dead.

McRae’s agent, Jean-Eric Freudiger, told the Sunday Telegraph McRae’s brother Alister had confirmed that the 39-year-old former champion was the pilot on the helicopter.

“I have heard that it was his aircraft. He was in the helicopter,” Freudiger said. “I cannot believe it was a helicopter pilot error because as my best friend and the godfather of my daughter, I know he was a very safe pilot.

“We have been close business partners and friends for seven years. He is the best person I have ever met in my life. I have to try and understand what I have just been told.”

Update, Sunday September 16th 2007, 15:35h

Police have confirmed the death of Colin McRae and his son, caused by a crash with McRae’s helicopter. “It has now been confirmed that there were four people, two adults and two young children on board,” the police said in a statement.

“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.”

“A full report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Chief Superintendent Tim Love, Divisional Commander, South Lanarkshire Division, stated: “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.”