RCR pit crew member Richardson dies at 37 (of A/H1N1 complications)

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Source: http://www.nascar.com/2009/news/headlines/cup/12/26/rcr.kharvick.crew.member.dies/


RCR pit crew member Richardson dies at 37
By NASCAR.COM
December 26, 2009
07:39 AM EST

Donald "D.J." Richardson, the rear-tire changer for the No. 29 Chevrolet, passed away shortly after 10 p.m. ET Friday. He was 37.

Richardson, a native of Leominster, Mass., was hospitalized earlier this month with severe complications due to the H1N1 virus. He had contracted the virus during a visit to Massachusetts during the Thanksgiving holiday.

A news release by Richard Childress Racing on Dec. 7 stated that Richardson's condition worsened due to the onset of pneumonia before he went to Health Alliance Hospital in Leominster for evaluation. Doctors quickly admitted Richardson to the hospital's intensive care unit with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Richardson began his Cup Series career with Andy Petree Racing in 1999. He also had worked for Penske Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Braun Racing.

 

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Re: RCR pit crew member Richardson dies at 37 (of A/H1N1 complications)

RCR pit crew member dies from H1N1

By Jim Utter -
Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009

Donald "D.J." Richardson, who most recently worked at Richard Childress Racing as a tire changer for its No. 29 Sprint Cup team driven by Kevin Harvick, died Friday night from complications of the H1N1 virus.

Richardson had contracted the virus over the Thanksgiving holiday during a visit to Massachusetts and developed pneumonia before being admitted to the intensive care unit of Health Alliance Hospital in Leominster, Mass.

Richardson, 37, remained hospitalized until his death.

Richardson began his Cup career with Andy Petree Racing in 1999. He has also worked for Penske Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Braun Racing. He joined RCR in July of this season.

Funeral plans are incomplete at this time.

http://www.thatsracin.com/140/story/24208.html

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Re: RCR pit crew member Richardson dies at 37 (of A/H1N1 complications)

Father: Swine-flu victim 'a big teddy bear'

<!--subtitle--><!--byline-->By Nick Mallard, nmallard@sentinelandenterprise.com
<!--date-->Posted: 12/28/2009 06:37:43 AM EST
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LEOMINSTER -- Donald "DJ" Richardson, a Fitchburg native who grew up in Leominster, was an "achiever," according to his father, Donald Richardson Sr.

The younger Richardson died Christmas night at the age of 37 due to complications from the H1N1 virus, but he will be remembered by those who knew him as someone who chased his dream and found a way to make it a reality, his father said.

"He had a dream of working in NASCAR and packed up 10 years ago to go after it," Richardson Sr. said Sunday. "He gave up everything he had up here and headed out to do what he always wanted to do. He was good person, a competitive person."

Richardson ended up capturing his dream, working as tire changer for Richard Childress Racing on the crew of driver Kevin Harvick.

"All of us at RCR are saddened by DJ's passing," Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing said in a statement posted on the team's Web site. "DJ was a gifted tire changer, one of the great team players in our industry and a valued member of the RCR family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

Richardson Sr. said he's "at a loss for words" and, though he doesn't like to talk, has been trying to deal with the attention that the passing of his son has garnered.

"We had a TV crew in our living room today," Richardson Sr. said. "It's been tough to deal with."
Richardson was described as "looking like a grizzly bear, but really being a big teddy bear" and someone who "would do anything for his children" by his father. Richardson Sr. said his son has three children; one lives in Massachusetts and two live in North Carolina.

Richardson Sr. said that "Richard Childress Racing has been very supportive throughout the whole thing."

Richardson came home for Thanksgiving and contracted H1N1, which led to acute respiratory distress syndrome.

"I am shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of our friend and teammate," Matt Clark, director of human performance and leadership development of RCR said in a statement on the team's Web site. "Anyone who knew DJ realized that below the tough exterior was a caring father, friend and teammate. He had a huge heart and would do anything to help someone in need. DJ loved changing tires and was recognized as one of the top pit athletes at the position. I want to extend my condolences to his family and friends."

Richardson Sr. said Clark had been wonderful with everything that had happened, setting up Internet sites to keep fans and well-wishers updated. GetwellDJ.com was set up to accept donations to help cover the costs of care and a group of social networking site Facebook has been created in Richardson's memory.

"Matt Clark has just been wonderful to us," Richardson Sr. said.

A viewing will be Tuesday at Sailas F. Richardson Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m., with a funeral to follow Wednesday morning. RCR is also in the process of setting up a memorial service in Charlotte, N.C., as well as a fund for Richardson's children.

"We'll remember him as someone who had a pretty good life and did what he wanted to do," Richardson Sr. said. "It's just too bad it ended up as short as it did."

http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/local/ci_14080166?source=rss