Loss of another Racer...

[SHARKEYMARINE]

:frown: Sunday, October 3rd, 2004 John Hipwell was in a fatal crash while driving the TFH Madness boat at the IHBA California Finals in Merced, California. At approximately 2:42 pm John was making another attempt to run a world record when his boat went out of control at the finish line. The Merced County Sheriff's office said he was pronounced dead at 2:50 PM. John is survived by his wife Joann and their furry kids. John was also the sole provider for the home. Efforts are being made to raise funds for John's burial and for JoannÂ’s living expenses while she gets all of her and John's affairs in order.
In time of healing I have been told reading notes from others have been a tremendous support. If you wish to drop Joann a donation and a brief note you can send them to Joann Hipwell at 174 Mt. Arlington Blvd. Landing, NJ 07850 I am told there is a trust being set up in John's name at a local bank for on going support to Joann and we will share that information ASAP.
The full IHBA/Merced County Sheriff's investigation is on going but the preliminary report has been released and can be read at "http://IHBA.DragBoatRacing.com"
Funeral arrangements for John are as follows:
Viewing- Friday October 8th, 2-4 pm and 6-9pm
Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home
150 Landing Road
Landing, New Jersey
phone: 973-398-3000
Church/Mass Service- Saturday October 9th, 10 am
Our Lady of the Lake
9 Rooney Rd.
Mt. Arlington, NJ
The family has also requested that in lieu of sending flowers, please make donations.
Our condolences go out to Joann and the rest of JohnÂ’s family,
Duane B Sims

[RiverToysJas]

VERY VERY SAD!!! Madness was ALWAYS a crowd pleaser. My heart and prayers go out to the family and all those associated with the team.
http://www.dragboats.com/images/gallery/04_04_IHBA_0850_726.jpg
RTJas :(

[Debbolas]

Wow, :jawdrop:
we are very sorry for your loss :(

[SBullet]

Prayers go out to the family & friends!! Very sorry to hear these bad news :(

[Dog]

Thoughts and payers to JoAnn and the whole madness crew.

[moneysucker]

Maddness Crew were all very cool at the races. My condolences to the team and family and friends. Thoughts and prayers.
Cy

[ekimzark]

Posted from dragboatalley.com:
The following message is on behalf of Ron Braaksma, Robert Mills, Roxy Seibert (owner of dragboatalley.com) and the entire Madness Racing Team.
Bereavement Fund Raiser
In the aftermath of this terrible tragedy, a very unfortunate situation has come to our attention. John Hipwell (god rest his soul) was the sole provider in a single income household. Over the course of his early racing career, his personal finances were more often than not deeply sacrificed in pursuit of his dreams. As such, his wife Jo-Ann currently faces a very dire situation with little-to-no life insurance to cover funeral expenses.
Therefore, we respectfully ask for your support to help us raise enough money to carry her through these troubled times. It is our goal to raise approximately $20,000 over the next two weeks. This will cover the $13,000 required for JohnÂ’s funeral expenses and provide a small stipend for living expenses over the next 2-3 months while settling her husbandÂ’s affairs.
At this time, RESP has already sent $5,000 directly to Jo-Ann, which leaves $15,000 remaining to reach our goal of securing her immediate future. The racing communityÂ’s assistance in meeting this goal is needed, and your timely response will be greatly appreciated.
Donations can be made in the following manner:
1. Call Ron Braaksma directly at 909-886-3298 for over the phone credit/debit card transactions.
2. Use your www.paypal.com account to send an electronic payment to me (Roxanne Seibert / RoxWorld Solutions) at this email address: roxseibert@att.net
3. Snail mail a check or money order made payable to Ron Braaksma with the words “For Jo-Ann Hipwell” noted on the memo to the following address:
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hipwell Fund Raiser c/o RB Props
5098 North H Street
San Bernardino, CA 92407
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During the next two weeks we will be updating this topic several times a day with our progress on total funds received so far, and where we stand on meeting our goal. Ron and I will each personally hand Jo-Ann a check immediately following the funeral services for the funds raised during the first week, and send another set of checks for the remainder after the end of the second week. Please send all donations for this fundraiser by Monday October 18, 2004.
And on behalf of the Hipwell household - Thank you very much for your support and generosity during these dark days.