Monday, December 28, 2009

Harvick Crewmember Richardson Dies

Richard Childress Racing crewman D.J. Richardson lost his valiant battle with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome on Christmas Day. He was 37 years old.

Richardson fell ill while visiting his home in Massachusetts over the Thanksgiving holiday, and was transported to Health Alliance Hospital in Leominster, Mass., where he was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus. A number of complications ensued, from which he was ultimately unable to recover.

“All of us at RCR are saddened by D.J.’s passing,” said Richard Childress, President and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “D.J. 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 joined RCR in July 2009 and finished the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season as the rear tire changer for Kevin Harvick's No. 29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet. He began his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career with Andy Petree Racing in 1999, and previously worked for Penske Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Braun Racing.

A viewing will be held tomorrow (12/29) at Richardson and Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street in Leominster, MA from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday (12/30) at 11 AM at St. Marks Church in Leominster. A memorial service is also being organized for his many friends in the Charlotte, NC area, with details to follow. A fund is also being set up to benefit his three children.

Rest In Peace, DJ.

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