Robbie Brewer, a veteran race car driver, died during a race in North Carolina on Saturday, August 9. He was only three weeks away from getting married.
Brewer, 53, had a “medical emergency” while racing and crashed head-first into a wall, according to several news sources. Emergency responders at the track had to cut open the roof of his car to get him out and then took him to a nearby hospital, but he did not survive.
Brewer’s fiancée, Angel Friesinger McCarter, shared a heartbreaking message on social media the next day. She said the tragedy will always stay with her and called Brewer her best friend.
She wrote that they had just come back from vacation on Saturday, and Robbie was excited to race again. His first practice went well, so he skipped the second one.
The couple was set to be married on August 25.
In her post, McCarter said, “Sixteen months with the best man I’ve ever known. Robbie loved me with all his heart, and I loved him with all of mine.”
The race took place at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Officials said Brewer had a medical problem on the track before he crashed on turn four.
Reports say Brewer may have had a heart attack while driving. He was a well-known figure at the track for more than 35 years, mostly driving his green car with the number 68.
Since 1990, Brewer had raced in 311 events at Bowman Gray Stadium.
Many friends and fellow racers shared their sadness online. Brad Lewis, a close friend, said Brewer was like family and called him “a true man’s man.” Lewis added, “I’m broken. I will never forget you, Robbie. I’ll be driving for you.”
