💔 SAD NEWS: Hudson River Helicopter Crash Victims Identified — Half Were Children, Including the Son of a Former NASCAR Legend

In an unimaginable tragedy, the victims of the helicopter crash over the Hudson River have been identified, and the news has left a nation in mourning. Half of the victims were children, and among them was the son of a former NASCAR legend. The heartbreaking twist? Bubba Wallace himself confirmed that one of the victims was his close friend’s son.

The helicopter, en route to a private family retreat, crashed just minutes after departing from a helipad in Manhattan. Despite the valiant efforts of first responders, the wreckage was found submerged in the icy waters of the Hudson River, and tragically, no one survived.

A NASCAR Legend’s Family Devastated

Among the victims was Jack “Thunder” Turner, 48, a former NASCAR champion and beloved figure in the racing world. Turner, who retired from racing in 2019 after an illustrious career, was traveling with his wife, Marie, and their two children, Liam (10) and Evelyn (7).

“It was supposed to be a joyful family getaway,” said a close source. “Jack was incredibly excited to spend quality time with his kids, especially after everything they’d been through as a family over the last few years. This is a nightmare no one should have to face.”

The Heart-Wrenching Loss of Little Liam

But the most devastating confirmation came when Bubba Wallace, the NASCAR star who had been friends with Jack Turner for years, confirmed that Liam Turner, just 10 years old, was among the victims. Bubba shared the news on social media in a tearful post:

“It’s with the heaviest of hearts that I share this. Liam was one of the brightest, kindest kids I’ve ever known. I’ve lost a brother today, and the world has lost an incredible soul.”

The news hit the racing community hard, as many had watched Liam grow up around the tracks, often seen wearing his father’s racing gear and cheering him on from the pit crew.

In a final heartbreaking message, Marie Turner, just moments before boarding the helicopter, texted her sister:

“Liam says he’s ready to be a pilot like Dad. Can’t wait to show him the world from the sky.”

It was the last message sent by the Turner family before their tragic departure.

Bubba Wallace’s Tribute to a Friend

Bubba Wallace, who had grown close to Jack Turner over their shared love for racing, took to social media with an emotional tribute, sharing photos of the Turner family and their many years together. “Jack, Marie, and Liam were the light of my life,” Wallace wrote. “I can’t begin to process this. They were more than friends — they were family.”

Wallace, who is still reeling from the loss, urged his followers to support the Turner family’s surviving relatives and to remember Liam for his boundless energy and joy.

“He may have only been 10, but he had a heart bigger than anyone I know,” Wallace added.

What Went Wrong?

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with the NTSB focusing on both mechanical failure and possible weather-related issues. However, sources close to the investigation have suggested that the helicopter’s systems may have malfunctioned shortly after takeoff, causing a catastrophic loss of control.

The helicopter had passed its most recent inspection just weeks before the crash, leaving many to question whether a hidden issue may have been overlooked.

A Racing Legend’s Legacy

As the racing world mourns the loss of a true legend, tributes have poured in for Jack Turner. From fellow NASCAR drivers to fans across the globe, everyone remembers him not only for his victories on the track but for his generosity and mentorship off it.

“Jack was one of the greatest competitors, but more importantly, he was one of the best men I’ve ever met,” said Kyle Busch in a heartfelt tribute. “The racing world has lost one of its brightest stars, and so has his family.”

A Nation Grieves

As the Hudson River continues to reflect the skyline of New York, the world is left to grieve not only the loss of an iconic racing family but the loss of innocence in the children who had their entire lives ahead of them. The Turner family, beloved and revered by so many, will never be forgotten.