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NHRA: John Force Funny Car driver Eric Medlen dies from head injury

Quote selected text Published March 23rd, 2007 in Main

Eric Medlen It is with sad news that the world of racing has learned that NHRA Funny Car driver Eric Medlen died Friday, four days after he suffered a severe closed-head injury in a test session crash at Gainesville, Fla. He was 33. Medlen’s family elected to have him taken off life-support systems, which they said was Eric’s wish for this type of situation.

Medlen’s Mustang Funny Car crashed head on into the right concrete barrier after it blew a tire on a test run the day after the Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. Medlen was one of four drivers for John Force Racing. The other three JFR drivers — Force, Robert Hight and Ashley Force — stayed in Florida with Medlen’s family.

Eric’s father, John Medlen, said, “On behalf of the family, I want to thank the medical staff at Shands not just for giving Eric the very best care he could have received, but for the compassion it showed for Eric and all those close to him. I also want to thank the thousands of people who offered their prayers and support to us during this very difficult time.”

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7 Responses to “NHRA: John Force Funny Car driver Eric Medlen dies from head injury”  

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  1. 1 Jim Brandenburg Mar 23rd, 2007 at 6:00 pm Quote

    Another sad day in motorsports. RIP Eric Medlen, you will be missed and not forgotten.

  2. 2 Julia, From Arizona Mar 23rd, 2007 at 8:13 pm Quote

    God Bless Eric and his beautiful soul. He will be missed by all in the racing world. I just hope there’s a race track in Heaven, cause I know Eric will be on it. Eric and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Speed Eric…

  3. 3 Justin Mar 24th, 2007 at 5:51 pm Quote

    This is so terribly sad. He was one of the NHRA’s bightest stars and will be missed . I hope everyone says a prayer for the Medlen and Force families.

  4. 4 mike chamness Mar 24th, 2007 at 7:16 pm Quote

    So Sad to hear about a driver passing away. He will be missed by all. God Bless his friends and family!!

  5. 5 Whitey Mar 24th, 2007 at 10:01 pm Quote

    After all of the rumors and updates on other sites I hate to have to believe this final update. Rough year for the racing community.

  6. 6 HoppyGirllllllll Mar 27th, 2007 at 12:37 pm Quote

    I hate when this happens…..

  7. 7 Anonymous Sep 23rd, 2007 at 6:24 pm Quote

    IS HE OKAY ASHLEY FORCE LOVE KIMBERLEE KAE ZEAGLER

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