Doug Herbert’s Two Sons Lost in Automobile Accident

Written by David Lamm · January 27, 2008

The two young sons of Top Fuel racer Doug Herbert were killed in an automobile accident Saturday morning in Lake Norman, N.C. Jon, 17, and James, 12, died instantly when their Mazda3 collided with a second vehicle.


Herbert, who was in Phoenix for preseason testing, is devastated and headed home to be with his family.

Condolences can be sent to Raymer Funeral Home, 16901 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, N.C. 28078.

In lieu of flowers, Herbert asks that people make a donation to the Speedway Children’s Charities in Jon and James Herbert’s name.

Details regarding a memorial service will be forthcoming.

The following is a statement issued by Doug Herbert and his wife Sonnie Herbert

Our kids have always been our best friends and the bond between the two of us. As you can imagine, the loss we are both feeling for Jon and James at the moment is unimaginable.As brothers, they were always together and were each other’s best friend.

Jon loved music and cars. He was a dreamer, happy, peaceful and was most pleased when everyone got along.

James loved to skateboard and ride dirt bikes, but he had the kindest heart and was compassionate to all.

Our very special boys also loved their little sister, Jessie, who already misses her big brothers.

Our family is deeply grateful for the wishes and prayers from our friends, the community and the boy’s classmates at SouthLake Christian Academy.

Our boys would not like everyone to be upset and cry right now, so please smile when you think of them.

Thank you for keeping Jon, James, Jessie and our entire family in your prayers as we work through this time of sorrow.

Comments

35 Responses to “Doug Herbert’s Two Sons Lost in Automobile Accident”

  1. Greg Holmes on January 27th, 2008 4:32 pm

    Just want to pass on condolences to the Herbert Family from here in Ontario Can.

  2. Howard & Sharon on January 27th, 2008 5:01 pm

    What a heartbreak. Our sincere condolences.
    Wichita, Ks.

  3. Dennis, Linda & Joseph Simpson on January 27th, 2008 8:25 pm

    We are so sorry to hear of your loss. What a tragedy to lose both of your sons. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
    Redondo Beach, CA

  4. Scott & Terri on January 27th, 2008 9:46 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Nothing is tougher than losing a child. Believe in the Lord. In Him you will find strength and peace. God bless.

  5. duncan on January 27th, 2008 10:31 pm

    Jon was on of my best friends
    he was so happy and wanted everyone else to be happy

    he died so suddenly

    and james was so polite
    he dident deserve to die at all

    its so horrible
    i hate it

    RIP jon and james

    and i hope carole feels better

  6. Coleman/black man on January 27th, 2008 10:42 pm

    james and jon were to of the nicest/koolest guys i knew and i cant believe they are gone now they didnt deserve this they never did any wrong to anyone

    ill miss you guys alot iloveyall

  7. Coley Craft on January 27th, 2008 10:55 pm

    Every time i hung out with Jon we always had fun. everytime he saw me he’d ask for a cigg. I’ll smoke em for you Jon. lol. We’ll miss ya, you to james. RIP. Peace, Coley

  8. Gavin Martin on January 27th, 2008 11:14 pm

    i used to play little league w/ Jon for 3 years, and got to see his little brother james at the games. they were both great guys w/ many friends.

    Rowdy In Peace =]

  9. Ashley on January 27th, 2008 11:21 pm

    i only known one .
    i wished i wouldve meet the other one..
    JAMES
    was a good person
    it is a shame to see
    that hes not here no more,
    im
    lookin forward to meeting jon
    someday,
    &&getting to noe james more,
    one of these days.

    i miss ya.budd.

  10. Matt on January 28th, 2008 1:35 am

    They were my neighbors, we didnt hang out much after they started going to south lake but they were both good kids. I never really knew James that good but Jon was a cool dude.

    RIP Jon and James

  11. Rich Jennings on January 28th, 2008 7:08 am

    No words can portray the sense of loss and pain you must feel at this time.

    To know they were loved and that they loved in return is what must carry you on.

    So sorry!!

  12. Buck&MaryHall on January 28th, 2008 8:16 am

    We are very sorry and your family are in our thoughts and prays.
    The Hall Family
    Granite Falls,NC

  13. Kate Stoddard on January 28th, 2008 9:22 am

    Condolences to the entire Herbert family. Such a tragic and untimely loss. No words can calm your grief or console your souls. Peace be with you and your sons and the entire Herbert family.

  14. DAVE on January 28th, 2008 12:06 pm

    I’M SORRY FOR YOUR LOST,HANG ON TO THE LORD,AS HE WILL BRING YOU THROUH THIS.

  15. brian on January 28th, 2008 3:58 pm

    i feel your pain.
    i to recently lost 2 people in an automobile accident. this is just another reason teenagers
    dont need drivers license.
    rip jon and james

  16. John McLeod on January 28th, 2008 4:51 pm

    Godspeed boys!!!

    I’m very sorry to the family. Take care of each other!!!

  17. Shirley Jones on January 28th, 2008 6:21 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss.Your family will be in my prayers.

  18. Jay and Lisa Gillum on January 28th, 2008 6:43 pm

    Thoughts and prayers for your entire family from here in Modesto, California.

    God Bless you guys…

  19. gerry glenn on January 28th, 2008 7:24 pm

    My prayers are with you.
    I know it is tough,lean on your faith and each other.Your son’s will now have only eternal joy in the Lords house.
    GOD BLESS

  20. milwaukee on January 28th, 2008 7:33 pm

    No words can console or understand, but the joy of the boys lives might bring comfort.

  21. Clint Gunter on January 28th, 2008 7:37 pm

    You will always be missed

  22. gene & mary Lyles on January 29th, 2008 12:01 pm

    Our hearts are saddened by your loss. You never get use to them being gone but the goodtimes are remembered more. They will always be near and in your heart. God Bless you and give you strenght.

  23. CJ on January 29th, 2008 12:16 pm

    Wow, there just are no words to express the pain I know you are feeling. Know that there are fans out there praying for you and your family. May your boys find love in the arms of Jesus, until we meet with them again!

  24. SCOTT THIERINGER on January 29th, 2008 6:45 pm

    To the Herbert family, may god bless you and give you strength in this most difficult time of loss. I will pray for you and your family.

  25. Bruce & Lisa Dickerson on January 31st, 2008 8:15 pm

    Having three children of our own we could not begin to conceive the suffering you and your family must be going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Herbert family.

  26. Dawn Holloway on February 1st, 2008 8:58 pm

    Doug and Sonnie,
    We send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this time. You are in our prayers. Looking forward to seeing you win at Sonoma’s Infineon in July. Take care!
    Best Regards,
    Mike and Dawn Holloway

  27. Jennifer Thorson on February 2nd, 2008 8:47 pm

    Please know our prayers are with your family during this very difficult time. jen & allan

  28. mike and lisa blair on February 9th, 2008 9:29 pm

    My wife and I lift your entire family by GODs grace and mercy may you all be comforted through this rough time.

  29. Tim Cates on February 9th, 2008 10:47 pm

    I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to the Herbert Family. May God be with you through this rough time.

    TC. Kansas City Mo

  30. Joseph Cerisano on February 9th, 2008 11:41 pm

    To Doug and family,
    When I heard the news my heart sank and I felt sick to my stomach. My wife and I know the pain, we also lost our child 14 years ago in an auto accident. Hold on tight to your wife and daughter. They need you and you need them. Eventually time will be your best friend. You will heal but things will never be the same, but you will go on because life goes on even if we don’t want to. We don’t have a choice. As for God? That’s a good question. joec

  31. Martha Kane on February 10th, 2008 8:01 pm

    GOD BLESS YOU ALL! I lost an infant son and thought I would never be able to make it. I am still alive. Life gets better over the years but I cry for your loss! I pray the Lord God in Heaven is with you and your family now and always.
    This is the only consolation to such a tragic event.

    Prayers Always! Martha

  32. Gloria Witt on February 11th, 2008 11:58 pm

    I am so sorry for your loses. We lost our 25yr old son in May 06 in a motorcycle accident Just take 1 min at a time then 1 hour at a time, they say in time we will be able to deal with our new life. My heart goes out to all 3 of you..

  33. dave on February 12th, 2008 7:25 pm

    Sorry for your lost of your two boys. god be with you and always

  34. Patrick on February 13th, 2008 1:45 am

    Dear Doug, Sonnie and Jessie,

    My son Jack and myself love watching race. While you will likely never meet us, please know you have my family along with tens of thousands of families who thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your sons and brothers. Be strong for one another.

    All our love.

    Patrick, Shannon and Jack Stapleton

  35. Charles Click on February 14th, 2008 7:22 pm

    Keep your head up Doug, You know they are up in God’s Kingdom. Bless you brother.

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