RCR Crewman Succumbs To Complications of H1N1

Donald “D.J.” Richardson, the rear-tire changer for the No. 29 Chevrolet, passed away at 10:10 p.m. ET on Christmas night. He was 37.

Richardson, a native of Leominster, Mass., was hospitalized earlier this month with severe complications due to the H1N1 virus. He had contracted the virus during a visit to Massachusetts during the Thanksgiving holiday.

A news release by Richard Childress Racing on Dec. 7 stated that Richardson’s condition worsened due to the onset of pneumonia before he went to Health Alliance Hospital in Leominster for evaluation. Doctors quickly admitted Richardson to the hospital’s intensive care unit with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Richardson began his Cup Series career with Andy Petree Racing in 1999. He also had worked for Penske Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Braun Racing.