Death at proving grounds....

[turbotalon1g]

My regards to the family.

My first post I was going to say shame, it became a party event with racing rather that the other way around.

All the best to this guy and his family.

[Trogdor]

First, let me say that I was not at PG. But the driver of the truck, Brian, and the only person to witness the full event, are close friends of mine. We have been at the hospital a lot on the last few days (excluding the driver of the truck, for legal and insurance reasons). I would like to tell the whole store as factually as I can.

Brian O'Connor (yes, that's really his name!) and our friend Sarah were in the back of the truck. They dropped Sarah off at her tent so she could change. Brian and the driver took off in the truck, went to drop something off at another camp site, and came back to pick Sarah up again. As they were arriving at Sarah's camp site the truck hit a bump, at low speeds. According to Sarah's husband (the only eye witness), the truck was coming to a stop and couldn't have been going more than 10 miles an hour. The bump caused Brian to lose his balance and fall of the truck. Brian's head struck the ground in such a way that it fractured his skull and caused massive damage to his brain.

Both Brian and the driver of the truck were drinking. Brian was airlifted to St. Cloud where he remains at the time of this post. The driver of the truck was taken to jail, on charges of 4th degree DUI and criminal vehicular operation. He was released for jail on Monday because his blood work was not completed at the time of his arraignment. Charges have not been formally filed yet, but may still be at any time. The drive's BAC is unknown at the moment.

SPECULATION I assume this is because they are waiting for the outcome of Brian. Pending that, the charges could be upgraded.

Brian has spent the last couple days in a very touch and go situation. Friday night we weren't sure if he would make it. Saturday, it sounded as though he would live, but we were unsure how much of a recovery he would make. And then this week the swelling in his brain continued to increase. Although he is stable, it is unlikely that he will ever wake up.

After meeting with doctors, his family has made the very difficult decision to remove him from life support this afternoon. As of the time of this post, Brian is still alive, but will pass soon.

[Kracka]

Thank you for posting, but obviously very sad to hear of the situation and the likely outcomes for all involved.

[scheides]

First post edited, thx bobby.

[MorningWood]

It sucks to see this happen. I didnt know Brian, but do know the driver. And its a very sad, unfortunate event. My prayers go out to the family and the driver, I can't imagine what they're going through right now.

[Goat Blower]

Very sad, our prayers to both families involved.

[TkrPerformance]

Very sad. Cars and drinking does not go together.

[93gtpeater]

Very sad. Prayers go out to his family and friends.

[tehehodi]

Condolences go to family and friends. Sorry about your friend bobby.

[DSMINMN]

This really is too bad.. The event has become the opposite of what was attended. I was there with a few friends whom had planned to go to mostly party. It's too bad really.

Prayers to the family of both men.

[dsmDolney]

That is not good !!! I just had a friend pass away from a motocross crash the same way basically at it was hard and still is. my prayers sent out to the family and friends

[Shane@DBPerformance]

Originally Posted by M1L3S

Does anyone know if this is true and just being kept out of the media?

It was on the Brainerd Dispatch webpage.

[niterydr]

Very sad tragedy that occurred, I feel for the family and close circle of friends. Hopefully this event will be a catalyst for change. I wasn't up there Friday but was there Saturday and Sunday; and there was heavy drinking and partying Saturday night.

A little more security, or a little more common sense would prevent issues from happening. I'll be curious to see the changes for PG2.

[Trogdor]

I just received word Brian has passed.

[Goat Blower]

Very sad, sorry to hear Bobby.

[mark4g63t]

Very tragic, my condolences are with you and the families.

[Boomdeeze]

Wow that is so crazy how easily a life can be lost by things some people think are just innocent fun. I'm sorry to hear about your friend and my prayers go out to those affected by this. Drinking and cars should not mix and this is one huge example.

[scheides]

[Halon]

So sad, I hope everyone involved finds a way to find some sort of peace. It helps knowing he felt no pain, but still so sad.

[minneSNOWta]

Condolences to the family and friends of Brian.