[madcat]

Colin McRae's father has spoken of the family's sadness over the death of the rally ace and his five-year-old son.

Mr McRae, 39, his son Johnny, friend Ben Porcelli, 6, and Graeme Duncan, 37, died following a helicopter crash in Lanarkshire on Saturday.

Jim McRae said it was "unbelievable" that his son and grandson's lives had been taken "so prematurely".

He said Ben was a "great buddy" of Johnny's and that Mr Duncan was a close friend of Mr McRae since school.

Speaking on behalf of the whole family, Mr McRae Snr, said: "It is much sadness and regret that we have to make this statement.

"It is unbelievable that Colin and Johnny's lives have been taken so prematurely and in such a tragic manner.

"Colin was a great son, a loving husband to Alison and a fantastic father to Johnny and his big sister Hollie.

"Johnny was a great wee guy, spending every spare minute with his dad, and even at this early stage it looked like he had the potential to carry on the family dynasty."

He said the family's thoughts were "very much" with the families of Ben and Mr Duncan.

"Ben was a great buddy of Johnny's and they had always spent a lot of time together both in and out of school," he added.



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This is so sad. I can't get my head around that such an amazing guy as Colin is no longer with us on the planet. The world can be such a cruel place.

I feel for his wife and remaining family. To lose your partner is a terrible thing, but to lose your partner and son must be such a blow to his wife.

My thoughts are with the remaining family members, in such a tragic time.

MadCat