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Who was William 'Rowdy' Harrell? NASCAR mourns pit crew member who died with wife in car crash during honeymoon

The 30-year-old and his wife Blakley’s death came just three days after their wedding

The NASCAR community is in shock after losing a pit crew member, William "Rowdy" Harrell, who died on his honeymoon. The 30-year-old lost his life along with his wife Blakley on Tuesday night, November 24, in a car accident in the Florida Keys - just three days after exchanging vows.

Greg Ives, who was Harrell’s crew chief for the past six seasons, said: “Our entire team is absolutely devastated at the loss of Rowdy and Blakley. They were such positive, giving and passionate people who could not have been a more perfect match. Rowdy had an energetic and infectious personality. He was the heart and soul of our team and always kept us motivated, no matter the circumstance. Rowdy shared his love with the people around him and was loved in return. Although he will be greatly missed, his memory will continue to inspire us always. Our prayers are with Rowdy, Blakley, and their wonderful family.”

According to reports, at around 9:40 in the night, the tragic accident happened when the 2020 Toyota Corolla that Harrell was driving, passed over the centerline on U.S. 1 near Lower Matecumbe Key and crashed into a truck. The newlyweds died on the spot, while the 62-year-old truck driver, from Tennessee, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Mariners Hospital in Tavernier. Two women, who were inside the truck, were critical after the crash, and were rushed to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami and Jackson South Medical Center in Kendall, respectively.

Investigators are now probing the accident and are looking if alcohol was behind it. Harrell worked as a tire carrier with Hendrick Motorsports for the last eight seasons. Lately, he also worked on the No. 88 in the NASCAR Cup Series for driver Alex Bowman. “Rowdy was everything that made the 88 team, the 88 team. The biggest personality and the best person. He was the happiest person you’d ever meet, and that was only reinforced by his wife Blakley. Rip to an absolute legend. You’ll be missed every single day brother,” Bowman tweeted.

Kevin Hamlin, a spotter for the No. 88 team, shared on Twitter: “Got a really terrible phone call from Greg this morning. Rowdy was one of the most happy, kindest souls I’d ever met and one of the greatest on pit road. I feel so terrible for his and Blakley’s families, and this team won’t be the same without them."

No. 88 fueler Jacob Conley posted on Facebook, “Life is such a fragile thing and it can change in an instant. You never know when you’ve given someone the last hug or sent them the last text or cracked your last beer with them. The hauler will be a little quieter on race day and the van rides too but the light Rowdy shined on so many people will not burn out anytime soon. I know him and sweet Blakley Harrell will always have a special place in my heart. I’ll miss our late night chats in the hotel rooms on the road talking about nonsense and I’ll crack a busch light for you buddy."