Former AFM racer Kenny Henry, age 50, of Elk Grove, California, died of a yet-to-be diagnosed medical condition while participating in a Pacific Track Time track day event November 24 at Thunderhill Raceway Park, in Willows, California. Henry was riding his Yamaha YZF-R1 toward Turn 14 of the 15-turn road course when riders behind him reported that his body suddenly slumped and his hands dropped off the handlebars, according to lifelong friend and AFM racer Dave Doerflinger. Henry then veered off course and coasted until he hit a tire wall still at speed. “I don’t know if the impact played a factor,” said Doerflinger. “He did have an impact on his helmet. But for him to just go limp and ride off course wasn’t right. He was a great rider and he had no health problems other than being a diabetic, but he was fine that day. We had just had lunch.” A lot of efforts were made by medical staff at the track, in the ambulance and at a medical facility in Willows to revive Henry, according to Doerflinger, but he could not be saved. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death, said Doerflinger. “He was just starting to get back into racing,” said Doerflinger. “He was going to do the ‘Dinosaurs’ class and Formula 50, because he just turned 50 this year. Then this happened. He was like a brother to me. This is really hard.” Doerflinger is leading an effort to inform friends, organize a memorial service and raise funds to help Henry’s family pay for his funeral services. To donate or get more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/KennyHenrymemorial . Doerflinger is also asking Henry’s friends to “share” the memorial page with others via Facebook.
R.I.P. Former AFM Racer Kenny Henry
R.I.P. Former AFM Racer Kenny Henry
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