Rally driver Colin McRae - known to millions of gamers as the face of the Colin McRae Rally game series that he helped create - died along with his young son in a helicopter crash on Saturday.
The 39-year-old, an experienced pilot, had been flying a Twin Squirrel helicopter after a visit to a village near his home when it burst into flames. The crash also claimed the lives of his son Johnny's friend Ben Porcelli, 6, and Graeme Duncan, 37.
Senior figures throughout the world of motorsport have paid tribute to McRae, who became the first Briton to win the World Rally Championship drivers' title in 1995. David Richards, McRae's former boss at Subaru, told the BBC that he had an "extraordinary spirit that you just can't define".
McRae has been associated with the world of videogames for almost a decade - his relationship with British publisher Codemasters has seen him lend his name and considerable expertise to the creation of half a dozen acclaimed Colin McRae rally games.
Sour news on the day after DiRT is released for PS3. The GamingExcellence staff offer their condolences to McRae's family and friends.
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