Aussie driver Richards dies of cancer
Race car driver Jason Richards died Thursday at his home in Melbourne, Australia, after a 14-month battle with cancer.
The death of the 35-year-old was confirmed Friday by V8 Supercars officials and Richards' family.
"Champion V8 Supercar driver Jason Richards passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Charlotte by his side at 8 p.m. [Thursday] night," a statement from the New Zealand-born driver's family said.
"Jason's family is appreciative of the many thousands of people who have offered their love and support during his battle with illness over the past 14 months."
Richards suffered from an aggressive form of adrenocortical carcinoma: cancer of the adrenal glands.
V8 SuperCars boss Tony Cochrane said, "Jason Richards was, and will always be remembered, as a highly respected race car driver and champion on and off the race track. Jason will be remembered for his great grin and his love and loyalty to his family. Both of which made him an immensely admired figure in pit lane."
Just the day before his death, Richards had played in the pro-am for the Australian Masters golf tournament, pairing with close friend Richard Green, a professional golfer, the Herald Sun reported.
Richards was survived by his wife Charlotte and children Sienna and Olivia.