V8 Supercar driver diesMon February 25th 2008.
A short time ago, the governing body of motorsport in Australia, CAMS, confirmed V8 supercar driver Ashley Cooper had died after a terrible crash at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide on Saturday.
This is the statement released by CAMS:
It is with deep regret that the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) confirms that Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series driver Ashley Cooper, aged 27, of Ulladulla in New South Wales, has passed away in Royal Adelaide Hospital today following a race incident last Saturday at the Clipsal 500.
Cooper, an experienced motor racing competitor, was critically injured when his vehicle impacted with the safety barrier at the exit of a corner. He was quickly attended to trackside by the event's senior medical personnel and subsequently transported to the Royal Adelaide Hospital by ambulance.
There were no other vehicles involved in the incident and no one else was injured.
CAMS President, Colin Osborne, said that Cooper's passing was something that would be felt by the entire Australian motor sport community.
"Firstly our thoughts and sympathies go to Ashley's family and friends, particularly his wife Casey and two children and parents Alan and Maree," said Osborne.
"It is always a very sad day when any member of the motor sport community is taken from us.
"The motor racing community involves a close knit group of competitors and officials and I know that everyone will be feeling the loss of Ashley.
"CAMS will conduct its own full independent investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the incident. In the mean time, CAMS and event officials are working with the relevant civil authorities to assist with their investigations."
CAMS Chief Executive Officer, Graham Fountain, praised the actions of officials immediately following the incident.
"We have to thank our Clipsal 500 Adelaide officials for their swift and professional actions as the loss of Ashley will no doubt have an effect on our many volunteers who work tirelessly at amateur and professional motor sport events around the country each weekend.
"Our extensive counselling and support services will be offered to Ashley's family and friends as well as to the competitors and officials involved in the event to help them though this tragic time."
CAMS will provide further details on Cooper's funeral arrangements when they become available.
http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=383910 
