Scott Bloomquist, renowned in dirt track racing, reportedly died by suicide in a plane crash incident.
Chuck Schilken
Dirt Track Racing Icon Scott Bloomquist's Alarming Demise: A Suicide Plane Crash
The unfortunate demise of famed dirt track racing phenom Scott Bloomquist, claimed to be the result of a self-inflicted plane crash in 2024, left an indelible impact on the sports world. According to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot deliberately flung the aircraft into a building, allegedly committing suicide.
Inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002, Bloomquist was the sole aviator and pilot of a 1938 Piper J3 two-seater that collided with a barn on his family's property in Mooresburg, Tennessee on August 16. He was a ripened 60 years old when this tragic incident took place.
The NTSB's investigative final report, albeit without Bloomquist's name, disclosed that the pilot departed from a private airstrip and overflew his property before impacting the barn adjacent to the strip. The airplane sustained heavy damage, resulting in a fire that engulfed the fuselage, ultimately causing the pilot's fatal injuries. An autopsy report confirmed that the cause of death was blunt force injuries, with his death classified as a suicide.
It was revealed that Bloomquist had no valid pilot's certificate. Upon the report's release, Bloomquist's family released a statement to Fox Sports, requesting privacy during their grieving process.
John Brenkus, Innovative Host of 'Sport Science,' Silenced by Depression
John Brenkus, a dynamic TV host who captivated sports fans with his insightful blend of science and sports, has passed away due to an extended bout with depression. His show, "Sport Science," aired on ESPN and Fox Sports. The family of Scott Bloomquist made no public statements related to the aircraft crash or the recent NTSB findings, focusing instead on internal support and privacy.
Known for his long locks and swagger, Bloomquist embarked on his racing career at Corona Raceway in 1980 and claimed victory over more than 600 races throughout his illustrious career. Following Bloomquist's tragic demise, Bristol Motor Speedway president and manager Jerry Caldwell lauded the late driver as "arguably the greatest dirt late model racer in the sport's history."
In March 2019, Bloomquist was involved in a motorcycle accident, enduring severe injuries to his right leg and hip. These complications persisted for subsequent years. In June 2023, Bloomquist disclosed his diagnosis with prostate cancer but expressed optimism, citing an early diagnosis and expecting a full recovery after surgery and treatment.
Suicide Prevention Resources
If you or someone you know is wrestling with suicidal thoughts, seek help from a professional and call 9-8-8. This new nationwide three-digit mental health crisis hotline 988 will connect you with skilled mental health counselors in the United States. Additionally, texting "HOME" to 741741 in the U.S. and Canada reaches the Crisis Text Line.
Rest in Peace, Scott Bloomquist. Your indomitable spirit and unparalleled athleticism will forever be etched in the annals of dirt track racing.
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Scott Bloomquist: A Legendary Racing Career
Scott Bloomquist was an accomplished and revered dirt track racing driver in the United States. Here's an overview of his career's highlights and notable achievements:
Career Milestones
- Racing Beginnings: Bloomquis first stepped onto the racing scene at Corona Raceway in 1980, quickly garnering attention in the 80s but achieving greater fame in the 90s.
- Achievements: Over the course of his career, Bloomquist won over 600 races, a testament to his formidable standing in the sport. He shined brightest in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, where he holds the record for the most victories, an impressive 60 triumphs.
Distinguished Accolades
- Recognition: Bloomquist was honored as the RPM Racing News "Driver of the Year" in 2006. He was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002.
- Legacy: Often regarded as one of the greatest dirt late model racers in the sport's history, he was renowned for his skill and fierce competitiveness.
- Personal Struggles: In recent years, Bloomquist faced various personal challenges, including a motorcycle accident in 2019 and a diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2023.
- Scott Bloomquist, a renowned figure in the sports world, was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2002.
- Tragedy struck in Mooresburg, Tennessee, on August 16, 2024, when Scott Bloomquist, a solo aviator and pilot, crashed his 1938 Piper J3 two-seater into a barn on his family's property, resulting in a fatal suicide.
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a report detailing the crash, revealing that the pilot departed from a private airstrip and overflew his property before impacting the barn adjacent to the strip.
- Despite the tragedy, John Brenkus, a dynamic TV host known for his insightful blend of science and sports, faced an equally heart-wrenching battle, as he passed away due to an extended bout with depression.
- In a world often focused on sports, general news, crime and justice, and health and wellness, it's essential to remember the importance of mental health, with resources available such as the new nationwide three-digit mental health crisis hotline 988.
- Among Scott Bloomquist's many career milestones, he won over 600 races and held the record for the most victories in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, with an impressive 60 triumphs.
- Remembering Scott Bloomquist, a legendary racing figure, we must acknowledge his indomitable spirit and unparalleled athleticism that will forever be etched in the annals of dirt track racing.
