Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: Adele is big winner, Houston honored at Grammys

Airman dies in drag racing accident

Iraq veteran’s wreck blamed on mechanical failure

CRESWELL, N.C. - An Air Force staff sergeant who served in Iraq died during a drag racing accident at Outer Banks Speedway.

Donovan Whitehurst, 27, was killed Saturday after his vehicle drove off the end of the track at more than 200 mph, striking a dirt embankment, police said. Authorities blamed the accident on a mechanical failure.

Whitehurst was based at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, where he worked in dispatch support for the 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron. He had served at least one tour of duty in Iraq, said Staff Sgt. Leslie Waters, an Air Force spokesman.

© 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

advertisement
Slideshow
Kobalt Tools 500
  Earning a trip to victory lane
Take a look at every NASCAR driver who has claimed a checkered flag this racing season.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
SUBWAY Fresh Fit 600
  Revved up for racing
Take a look at how some NASCAR fans express their dedication to the drivers and to the sport.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Danica Patrick,  Helio Castroneves
  Danica Daze
Danica Patrick is expanding her repertoire from the IRL to NASCAR.

more photos

Slideshow
Coca-Cola 600
  Celebs at the track
Take a look at the stars who have attended NASCAR races.

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Brian Vickers
  NASCAR crashes
Sparks fly and cars spin out wildly when NASCAR drivers get into accidents.

NBCSports.com

INTERACTIVE
"Taxi" Film Premiere
NASCAR wives and girlfriends
They're fixtures in pit row, but they don't drive on the track or work on the cars. Take a look at some notable NASCAR wives and girlfriends.