Fresh Details Reveal What Happened Before Billy Hurt Died in World of Outlaws Texas Crash After Marcus Thomas Accident

Billy Hurt, a longtime safety official and retired firefighter, lost his life in a tragic crash during a World of Outlaws race in Texas on Saturday. The incident happened at Kennedale Speedway Park, near Fort Worth, while he was trying to help a driver who had just crashed. Hurt had spent over 23 years working in sprint car racing safety and more than 25 years as a firefighter in Columbia. He was known for always putting others first. According to early reports, two emergency vehicles collided while rushing to assist driver Marcus Thomas, whose car had flipped on the track. Hurt was thrown from his vehicle and died at the scene. The race was stopped immediately after the incident.

Billy Hurt, Marcus Thomas crash at Kennedale Speedway Park leads to fatal accident during World of Outlaws race

The situation started when driver Marcus Thomas lost control and flipped his car during the race. As safety crews rushed in, two all-terrain vehicles collided on the track. Billy Hurt and fellow official Jerry Myers were both thrown from their vehicles after the impact.Billy Hurt did not survive the crash. Jerry Myers was taken for treatment and is now in stable condition, according to reports.The World of Outlaws later confirmed the heartbreaking news. World Racing Group CEO Brian Carter shared an emotional message, saying, “Beyond his professionalism, Billy exemplified what it meant to be a good person, always putting others before himself. He dedicated his life to ensuring the safety of every racer, making their well-being his main priority. The entire World Racing Group family is deeply saddened by his loss.”The racing series also released a statement, saying, “Of those who dedicate their lives to safety efforts at dirt tracks across the country, there were few as committed as Billy Hurt.”Tributes quickly came in from across the racing world. Sprint car driver Brian Brown wrote, “So many times the spotlight is on the drivers, but the truth is none of us do what we do without the brave men and women standing on the other side of the wall. Billy can never be replaced, and he will be missed more than words can say.”Away from racing, Hurt also helped train firefighters across Missouri as an expert in rescue operations. Columbia Professional Firefighters President Zack Privette said, “Billy was proud to be a public servant. He always came to work with a smile. He showed up, did his job, and was really good at it.” The race on Saturday was canceled after the accident, as the racing community came together to mourn a man who spent his life protecting others.