Doug Herbert's 2 Sons Die In Auto Accident

[PressRoom-GFN]

CORNELIUS, N.C. (Jan. 27, 2008) – The two young sons of NHRA Top Fuel drag racer Doug Herbert were en route to McDonald's to obtain breakfast Saturday when their Mazda collided head-on with a Hummer, killing the brothers.

Jon, 17, and James, 12, died instantly, authorities said. The driver of the Hummer, Michael Talbot, was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, while his daughter, Kaitlen, was transported by ambulance.

The 40-year-old Herbert, who had attended Thursday's press conference announcing the new drag strip at Lowe's Motor Speedway, was testing in Phoenix, Ariz., when the fatal accident occurred. He immediately flew home.

On Sunday, Doug and Sonnie Herbert released the following statement:

"Our kids have always been our best friends and the bond between the two of us. As you can imagine, the loss we are both feeling for Jon and James at the moment is unimaginable.

"As brothers, they were always together and were each other's best friend. Jon loved music and cars. He was a dreamer, happy, peaceful, and was most pleased when everyone got along. James loved to skateboard and ride dirt bikes, but he had the kindest heart and was compassionate to all.

"Our very special boys also loved their little sister, Jessie, who already misses her big brothers.

"Our family is deeply grateful for the wishes and prayers from our friends, the community and the boy's classmates at SouthLake Christian Academy. Our boys would not like everyone to be upset and cry right now, so please smile when you think of them. Thank you for keeping Jon, James, Jessie and our entire family in your prayers as we work through this time of sorrow."

Condolences may be sent to Raymer Funeral Home, 16901 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC 28078, or via e-mail, condolences@dougherbert.com. A public visitation is scheduled for Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. at Raymer Funeral Home. A public memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday at SouthLake Christian Academy. In lieu of flowers, Herbert has asked that a donation be made to the Speedway Children's Charities in his sons' names.

Police said the accident occurred at 10:10 a.m. Saturday on four-lane Jetton Road near The Peninsula where the Herberts lived.

Jon Herbert was traveling east when he tried to use a westbound lane to pass another vehicle, police said. He lost control of his Mazda, police said, which collided with the westbound Hummer.

###