I was driving home from Frankfort on Sunday when I heard the tail-end of a news story about some horrible accident in Las Vegas. It sounded like another airshow crash. But then I learned that 33-year-old Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon had been killed in a 15-car pile up at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Another talented individual gone way too soon. The wreck--that almost seems like an understatement--was gruesome. The point-of-view shot from within the car as it went airborne was chilling. And of course the multiple wide shots of the disaster were so penetrating, I doubt the images will leave our minds anytime soon. IndyCar racing is an incredibly dangerous sport, no question. So, at what point, does that danger become a consideration. There were 34 cars travelling over 200 mph on a tightly-packed track. Questions have been raised about the track's safety. This, in turn, has led to some heated remarks from Vegas Speedway officials responding to such allegations. Yes, another tragedy has evolved into controversy. Meanwhile, a family and friends mourn the loss of a loved one. Fans mourn the loss of one of their heroes. These are the people who care nothing about such controversy. And its for folks like this that a website was created by godaddy.com to honor and memorialize Dan Wheldon. Perhaps the heated exchanges will cool off so those that can determine exactly why such a horrific event had to take place will be able to do so without worrying about expending precious time on the small stuff. Yes, there are questions. But let's wrap them up as soon as possible and get on to the business of preserving life.

Tomorrow, Steve Horn will profile other drivers who've left us far too soon.

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