SJ loses team member

  • Published
  • Wright Times Staff Report
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. - --  Team Seymour lost one of its members Saturday.

Staff Sgt. Donovan Charlton Whitehurst, a vehicle operator with the 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron, died while drag racing at the Outer Banks Speedway in Creswell, N.C.

Sergeant Whitehurst, 27, who had 12 years of racing experience, was driving a hard-tail dragster when it crashed into a dirt embankment.

He served his country for more than eight years and was a pleasure to work with, according to his coworkers.

"Donovan was a caring and loving individual. He always had a smile on his face and care in his heart. Donovan was a giving person who gave so much of himself without asking for anything in return. He will be missed deeply by everyone," said 1st Lieutenant Shannon Decker, 4th LRS.

"We in the 4th Fighter Wing need to come together now to be there for the family, hold them in our arms and go to the ends of the earth to take care of them and comfort them," said Col. Steve Kwast, 4th FW commander. "It is a tragedy anytime we lose such a valuable member of our country and a great patriot."

There will be a memorial service for Sergeant Whitehurst Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the base chapel.