Rick and his wife, Linda Hendrick, have had each other’s back through all the highs and lows of life, including losing a kid in an aircraft catastrophe.
Whether they lost a loved one in a plane disaster or were involved in one themselves, Hendrick and Linda have remained resilient amid the ordeal.
Key Takeaways
- Not only did they lose their kid in an aircraft catastrophe, but Hendrick and Linda were also involved in a plane tragedy nine years later, which they fortunately survived.
- Rick Hendrick and his wife, Linda, founded the non-profit Hendrick Family Foundation in 2015.
Rick Hendrick is well known for owning the NASCAR team Hendrick Motorsports. He founded the Hendrick Automotive Group, a chain of over 100 auto dealerships, and co-owns JR Motorsports.
Hendrick grew up on a tobacco farm near the small Virginian town of Palmer Springs, where he worked on cars and participated in auto racing as a young man.
His tale of overcoming difficult times to achieve success undoubtedly motivates everyone. But unquestionably, having his wife by his side makes it easier for him to overcome life’s challenges.
His wife Linda often didn’t get much credit for how much she helped Hendrick as he worked his way to the pinnacle of the automotive engine business.
Though little information is available about Linda Hendrick, she undoubtedly serves as the pillar of the Hendrick family.
The couple had two children together, Ricky and Lynn. However, unfortunately, Ricky passed away in a plane disaster in 2004.
Rick Hendrick and His Wife Linda Lost Their Son in a Plane Tragedy!
Hendrick, a successful business tycoon, and his wife Linda survived two plane-related tragedies; one where they lost their son and another where they survived by the grace of god.
Eight passengers and two crew members boarded a Hendrick Motorsports-owned Beechcraft Super King Air 200 on October 24, 2004, to attend the NASCAR Subway 500 at Martinsville Speedway.
HMS President John Hendrick, his twin daughters, Kimberly and Jennifer Hendrick, Ricky Hendrick, the son of Rick Hendrick, Randy Dorton, head of engine operations, and Jeff Turner were among the passengers.
The aircraft took off from Concord, North Carolina, around noon ET but never reached its destination.
The King Air plane failed to reach the required altitude after missing its initial attempt to land at Blue Ridge Airport in Martinsville, Virginia.
Furthermore, before fog and unfavorable carrier conditions contributed to the deadly crash. The aircraft was reported to be as near as 550 meters to the ground.
Although everyone on board passed away, Hendrick and Linda found it most challenging to cope with the death of their son.
Still, they stuck together and supported each other through the tough times. Later, Linda said that everyone faces heartbreak and disappointment at some point.
Not only did they lose their child in an aircraft catastrophe, but seven years later, they were also involved in a plane tragedy. However, miraculously, they survived.
When the aircraft landed far from Key West International Airport on October 31, 2011, a plane crash near Key West, Florida, involved Hendrick and his wife, Linda.
During the crash, Hendrick sustained a shattered clavicle and three broken ribs, while Linda sustained minor injuries.
Despite several difficult times, the couple is happy and recently celebrated Hendrick’s 75th birthday.
For the birthday gift, Linda gave him a custom-made 1:1 Venom F5 Revolution Roadster from Hennessey Special Vehicle.
Hendrick and Linda Established the Non-Profit Hendrick Family Foundation!
Rick Hendrick and his wife Linda started the non-profit Hendrick Family Foundation in 2015, building on their earlier charity, “The Hendrick Marrow Program.“
The Hendrick Family Foundation’s predecessor, the Hendrick Marrow Program, reportedly raised over $15 million since its beginning in 1997.
The foundation now unites all of the Hendrick family’s charitable efforts. It supports several organizations, including Vision to Learn, Be the Match, and Levine Children’s Hospital.
In Case You Did Not Know
- At 14, Hendrick started drag racing in a 1931 Chevrolet that he had constructed himself. Two years later, when he was sixteen, Hendrick won the Chrysler-Plymouth Troubleshooting Contest’s Virginia section.
- In the Winston Cup Series in 1987 and 1988, Hendrick participated in two races and finished 33rd and 15th, respectively.
