"We will never, ever forget these souls": Rick Hendrick & wife Linda deliver emotional tribute for HMS plane crash tragedy that took their son
On this day, twenty years ago, a Rick Hendrick-owned aircraft tragically crashed, killing all ten individuals aboard, including members of the Hendrick family and key team personnel. The group had been en route to Martinsville Speedway. Rick Hendrick, owner of the most successful Cup Series team, gathered today at their headquarters to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, gathering around the memorial fountain as a reminder of their lasting legacy within the Hendrick family and team.
Of the ten HMS employees on board, the flight to Martinsville was Rick and Linda Hendrick's only son, Ricky Hendrick, who had once endeavored a professional stock car racing career and was the rightful heir to the HMS empire. However, amidst the chaos of the 2024 playoffs, HMS and the NASCAR community remember those who lost their lives on October 24, 2004.
In the closing moments of the memorial ceremony at Hendrick Motorsports headquarters, Rick Hendrick and Linda Hendrick delivered emotional speeches. They reflected on the deep loss experienced by all those affected by the tragic crash, keeping the memories of their loved ones alive. Rick Hendrick said
“I want to thank all of the families and all of our extended families (employees) for loving these people and supporting these folks and remembering what a treasure each one was. Never to be replaced and never to be forgotten but to always be loved and remembered. I just appreciate the warmth and love that's around this fountain today. We will never, ever forget these souls.”
Linda Hendrick also shared a few words of encouragement. She said:
“They say that it's not what you go through in life, it's how you get through it. I think there's a lot of truth to that. There are many choices we can make when we feel like we don't know which way to go and our life is turned upside down. Nothing is ever hopeless. We always have hope.”
NASCAR fans pen their heartfelt condolences as Rick Hendrick and HMS pay homage to the victims of the fatal plane crash
Tragedy holds the ability to bring people together. The plane that crashed near Blue Ridge Airport in Martinsville twenty years ago shocked the NASCAR community. As Rick Hendrick and HMS pay tribute to the loss of life, fans have come together to express their support.
The passengers aboard the ill-fated Hendrick Motorsports plane that crashed 20 years ago included several key members of the organization and family. Among them were company president John Hendrick, his daughters Jennifer and Kimberly, general manager Jeff Turner, chief engine builder Randy Dorton, DuPont executive Joe Jackson, pilots Richard Tracy and Elizabeth Morrison, helicopter pilot Scott Lathram, and Rick Hendrick and his wife Linda's son, Ricky Hendrick.
Several fans wrote on X, remembering the ones who lost their lives and extending their support to the families.
"Will never forget that day watching on tv. Still hurts 20 years later. Tears in my eyes. 😭💔" a fan expressed
"God bless all of these families🙏🏻💛" a fan wrote
"In loving memory all the way ❤️" another fan wrote
"We all remember and pray and know that all of them are together." a fan stated
"Beautiful 🥲" a fan said