USAR Officials are conducting an investigation into the tragic death of Christopher Abblett of Clearwater. The accident occured Saturday afternoon as the Hooters ProCup drivers and crews were preparing to qualify for Satuday night's feature at USA International Speedway.

Abblett was a member of the Eagles Nest Racing Team, which was crewing for the Bowser Motorsports team for Saturday's race. At approximately 2:30 PM, a tire Abblett was working with apparently exploded resulting in fatal injuries. Personnel from Track Rescue, the on site safety team responded, and called in advanced life support. A Bayflite helicopter took Abblett to Tampa General Hospital at 3:15 PM where he died as a result of the injuries.

Tim Southers, spokesperson for the USAR, has told KARNAC.com the series officials have impounded the tire, wheel, and some other items to have tested to try to determine what happened. "According to the State of Florida any death of anyone under the age of 40 an investigated has to take place, and that's what's going on right now." Southers said.

Sheriffs Officials from Polk County are conducting an investigation into the events surrounding the death of Christopher Abblett. The Invesitgation is being conducted by the Homicide Division, according to a Polk County Sherrifs Office spokesman. Police have informed KARNAC.com that the police must be called in on all cases involving a death, and the incidents must be investigated according to Florida law.

Services for Christopher Abblett will be held Friday 12:00 Noon at Emanuel Chapel, 7100 142nd Avenue, Largo, Florida according to a member of Eagles Nest Racing.

Many fans from not only Florida but from around the Eastern US have e-mailed KARNAC.com with questions about the circunstances of the accident. We will not speculate on the causes, but instead feel all should be patient for now and let the USAR officials do their job. We will update you as new information becomes available.


-Jack Smith
KARNAC.com

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