Hendrick Motorsports' NASCAR Cup Tire Carrier and Wife Die in Crash on Way to Honeymoon

From Autoweek

• William "Rowdy" Harrell was an eight-year veteran of the Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR team.

• Harrell was a former national champion linebacker at the University of Alabama for coach Nick Saban.

• Harrell and wife Blakely were on their way to they honeymoon after being married in Florida.

Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series crew member William “Rowdy” Harrell and his wife, Blakley, were killed in an automobile accident in Florida on Tuesday.

The newlyweds were traveling to celebrate their honeymoon after being married three days earlier.

Harrell, 30, was a tire carrier for Hendrick Motorsports for the last eight seasons, most recently with the No. 88 NASCAR Cup Series team of driver Alex Bowman. He was also a two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion pit crew member with JR Motorsports.

Harrell played football at the University of Alabama, where he was a member of three national championship teams as a walk-on linebacker. He was native of Moundville, Ala., living in Charlotte, N.C.

He was a member of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s winning Daytona 500 team in 2014.

News of the tragedy was posted to the Hendrick Motorsports website on Sunday.

Our entire team is absolutely devastated at the loss of Rowdy and Blakley,” said Greg Ives, who was Harrell’s crew chief for the past six seasons. “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.”