Sports Athletes Who Died in 2011 … Harmon Killebrew, Macho Man Randy Savage, Bubba Smith, Al Davis and Joe Fraizer to Name a Few: REST IN PEACE

In Memoriam …

Sadly we lost some real icons in the world of sports this year. Among some who died were MLB Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, WWE Pro-wrestling great Randy “Macho Man” Savage, NFL football greats Bubba Smith, Chester McGlockton, Dave Duerison, Ollie Matson and John Macky, PGA golfing legend Seve Ballesteros, Oklahoma State women’s basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna, NFL icon Al Davis and Boxing great Smokin Joe Frazier.

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No death was probably more tragic than the terrible Indy car crash and the death of race car driver Dan Wheldon at the season-ending Las Vegas Indy 300. Weldon was just 33 years of age.

Sadly, boxing great and former heavy weight champion of the world, Smokin’ Joe Frazier passed away at age 67 after to battle with liver cancer.

The NFL lost its Commitment to Excellence … NFL Oakland Raider Owner Al Davis Dies at Age 82 … JUST WIN BABY!!!

More athletes who passed in 2011 can be seen here at Sports Illustrated. What is the most tragic thing after  reviewing the far many athletes who died in 2011 was sadly the amount who died due to suicide.

Horrific 15 Car Crash at Las Vegas Indy Race (VIDEO) … Driver Dan Wheldon has Passed Away from Injuries

Terrible and sad news from Indy car racing.

During lap number 12 on the final race of the season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a disastrous and horrific crash occurred involving 15 cars at speeds of over 200 mph. Dan Wheldon, the 2011 Indy 500 winner, was the most serious injured and flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital. Sadly, Dan Wheldon died from his injuries. OMG, this was one of the worst racing accidents I have ever seen, I cannot believe more drivers were not killed or injured. Following the crash and the lack of restart of the race, one would have suspected that Wheldon’s injuries were fatal. Rest in Peace, Dan Wheldon.

Wheldon’s car goes airborn … Rest in Peace Dan Wheldon

Officials decided to call the race, but the drivers planned a five-lap tribute to Wheldon. IndyCar Series CEORandy Bernard made the officials announcement of Wheldon’s death without further comment.

Rest in Peace Dan Wheldon

“IndyCar is very sad to announce that Dan Wheldon has passed away from unsurvivable injuries,” Bernard said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. IndyCar, its drivers and owners, have decided to end the race. In honor of Dan Wheldon, the drivers have decided to do a five-lap salute to in his honor.”