Charles Burnett III a founder member of the British Powerboat Racing Club was killed in a helicopter crash in New Mexico yesterday.
Burnett, 61, died alongside Zimbabwean opposition leader Roy Bennett, his wife Heather, pilot Jamie Coleman Dodd and co-pilot Paul Cobb as the group travelled to Burnett’s ranch.
The sole survivor was Andrea Cobb, Mr Burnett’s long-term partner and the daughter of the co-pilot who pulled herself from the burning wreck.
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Burnett at Windermere – March 1995
Burnett will be fondly remembered for his Offshore Powerboat Racing career, his yellow Los Locos boats coupled with his larger than life personality were a highlight on the 1990’s racing circuit.
While Burnett predominantly raced in the Offshore Class 2 category he also sponsored and supported competitors in Class 3B, giving female racers including Sarah Donohue the opportunity to race.
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Sarah having fun in one the Burnett Los Locos boats
Sarah (above) told Powerboat Racing World this morning:
Charles was my oldest friend inside and outside powerboat racing.
He gave me the chance to have so many experiences across the world, gave me fond memories and a friendship many never get to experience.
All his family and close friends will be devastated by this news.
He was a great man that gave the world and everyone around him so much in everything he did.
I’m numb.
Charles made my world a better place.
I loved him and will continue to love him.
He is a huge part of my autobiography and I will be dedicating it to him. The man that gave me and others so much life and love.
I wish I could spend just one more day with him.
I have so much I want to say to him. I’m heart broken for all of us that loved him.
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Burnett winning the Class 2 World Championship at Cowes.
Once he gave up racing on water competitively, Burnett silently continued to help the sport out financially.
In 2009 he broke a 103-year-old world land speed record for steam-powered vehicles in the United States, the 25ft-long British Steam Car – nicknamed the ‘Fastest Kettle in the World’, reached an average speed of 139.843mph over two runs of a measured mile at the Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Photos: Chris Davies