William “Rowdy” Harrell, age 30, and wife Blakly Harrell, 23, died in a car crash Nov. 24 in the Florida Keys. William Harrell was a tire changer for Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series, most recently on the #88 team of Alex Bowman.
“Rowdy was everything that made the 88 team, the 88 team,” a tweet from Bowman [@AlexBowman88] read. “The biggest personality and the best person. He was the happiest person you’d ever meet, and that was only reenforced by his wife Blakley. Rip to an absolute legend. You’ll be missed every single day brothers.”
Harrell and his wife married Nov. 21 and were in Florida for their honeymoon. According to a preliminary report from the Florida Highway patrol, Harrell was driving a Toyota Corolla, heading north on US Highway 1 when he cross the center line into the southbound lane, entering the path of a pickup truck driven by a 62-year-old male. The driver of the truck sustained minor injuries. Two passengers in the truck were airlifted to a hospital and listed in critical condition.
Harrell was hired by Hendrick Motorsports in 2013. He also was a part of two NASCAR Xfinity Series championship pit crews at JR Motorsports, a team co-owned by former Hendrick Motorsports driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.
“Our entire team is absolutely devastated at the loss of Rowdy and Blakley,” HMS crew chief Greg Ives said. “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.”
Prior to NASCAR, Harrell was on three national championship football teams at the University of Alabama as a walk-on linebacker.
