MARCH 6, 2001
Marshal's family visit the site of his death
THE family of the race marshal who died during the Australian Grand Prix visited the site of the accident that caused his death at the Albert Park circuit on Monday.
Graham Beveridge's wife Karen and daughter Kelly laid flowers near a steel barrier at turn three of the circuit, where Beveridge - a race marshal - died after being hit by debris from a crash.
Beveridge was hit by a wheel from Jacques Villeneuve's British American Racing car after the Canadian driver had hit the BMW-Williams of Ralf Schumacher and then hit a safety fence at around 150 mph.
"He was doing what he loved," Mrs. Beveridge said to the Australian media. "He knew the dangers of the sport and was passionate about racing.
"We would like to thank the medical officials who tried so hard to revive him. We'd also like to express our gratitude to the people who placed flowers at the point where he last stood."
An investigation is still ongoing into the accident and the head of the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) Peter Hansen on Monday revealed that Villeneuve had tried to contact the Beveridge family to send his condolences.
"He tried this morning but she was on her way down here," said Hansen. "He has passed on his sincere condolences. Everybody is upset."