London (England) - Colin McRae, a former World Rally champion, died in a helicopter crash over the weekend, leaving his immortality in part in a series of top-selling video games.

The 39-year-old motorsport champion was confirmed dead yesterday after he was found in a downed helicopter near his home in Lanark, Scotland.  He was with his five-year-old son Johnny, who also passed away.

Though he earned numerous trophies, Colin McRae's most famous mark is as the World Raly Championship winner in 1995.

McRae was one of the few athletes who was so masterful in his field that he became the subject of his own video game series.  In 1998, Codemasters published Colin McRae Rally for the Playstation and PC.  Seven additional games would follow, including Colin McRae: Dirt, which was released on the Playstation 3 last week.

"Everyone at Codemasters, especially those who worked directly with Colin McRae, is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic events of this weekend," said Codemasters in an official statement.  "Our thoughts are with his family and those closest to him and we share in their pain."

The Colin McRae series of games sold more than eight million copies over the past nine years.  Last month, McRae had announced that 2008 would probably be his last year in the World Rally Championship.

The cause of the helicopter crash is unknown.  An investigation began over the weekend and is still ongoing.

How tragic.

Sep 17, 2007 09:18     

:( , what a terrible thing.
paullubbock report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Ironic

Sep 17, 2007 10:02     

Sad and ironic; dying of an helicopter crash when you defied death all your life on dangerous rally roads...
Vincent Lalande report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

so sad

Sep 17, 2007 10:09     

I'm sorry to hear that. But for sure, a legend will always be a legend..dead or alive. Rest in peace Colin.
von report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

:( ......

Sep 17, 2007 11:39     

Sorry to hear that, ..and still young,his child too...:( IF Codemaster swill end the series, maby they will with another game: Colin McRae: Legend, or something like that :); Then again, why stop the series? .. Anyway,.. I never met him but he was a great man, one that stands in front of many. God rest his soul..
Constantin C report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

terrible

Sep 17, 2007 12:08     

I have been following Colin for as long as I can remember. Such a sad story to hear. There was so much life left in him, especially his son.
Ted report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Yeah this is very sad, well my prayers go out to hi...

Sep 17, 2007 13:06     

Yeah this is very sad, well my prayers go out to his family.... =(
yeah report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

My condolences

Sep 17, 2007 21:35     

I found out about this through an interview during the MotoGP race. I was shocked, then was in denial. It does seem ironic that it wasn't a car that took his life. But I'm also deeply saddened that his son was in the accident as well. Watching Colin during the "Rally-X" games of the two recent XGames, he seemed so full of life and excitement that I only recently became a fan. My heart is with those who were close to him and my deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.

9Nails report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Very sad

Sep 18, 2007 07:46     

i am very sad about wat happened and he is a legend and as far as i know legends live 4ever its so teragic and i wish good luck in the future for his family :(
Will mccullough report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Colin Mcrae

Sep 19, 2007 03:38     

it very sad to hear about his accident, my condolences go to his family. he was the best at what he did int the sport that he played part in, i was and always will be a fan of him.
jenkins report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Colin Mcrae

Sep 19, 2007 03:38     

it very sad to hear about his accident, my condolences go to his family. he was the best at what he did in the sport that he played part in, i was and always will be a fan of him.
jenkins report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Like Al Holbert

Sep 19, 2007 08:21     

Again the motorsports world looses one of there best to a non racing accident. Like Al Holbert,sports car racing legend who died in a plane crash, and now World Rally Legend Colin McRae dies in a helicopter crash. You both will be missed. Someone with skill and integrity needs to keep the CMR series going.
BJ Martin report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Sad day for motorsport.

Sep 25, 2007 06:58     

The man is a legend, if it wasn't for him in his prime, a lot of people my age probably wouldn't love the WRC as much today. Such a sad loss. :(
spammage report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

http://www.firstsuperspeedway.com

Oct 01, 2007 00:43     

It's so sad to hear that McCrash has passed away. I agree with you Doug... when getting into auto racing sports, you have to be very talented and brave to hurtle a four-wheel-drive car down narrow forest roads, and on sideways. We'll be missing seeing him in a race track! May you rest in peace, McCrash....
www.firstsuperspeedway.com report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

terrible news

Oct 07, 2007 21:47     

This is really a terrible news to me. I've known Colin McRae because of a PlayStation game, and I know he is a legend in World Rally Championship(WRC). My deepest sympathy to his family and the people Codemasters, whom had been with Mr. Colin McRae.
www.firstsuperspeedway.com report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0