10 Most Shocking Events in Sporting History

#4 Dale Earnhardt Sr. Killed on Final Lap of Daytona 500

Dale Earnhadt Sr was on the cusp of glory, before the crash

They say death is inevitable. But what if it comes while you driving to win, to become and champion and BOOM! Death arrives shattering all the dreams that you had ever cherished. On February 18, 2001 the most successful stock car driver of all time, Dale Earnhardt Sr., unfortunately suffered that fate during the last lap of the Daytona 500.

He was travelling at a speed of 180MPH, and was trailing behind the leaders that included his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. when his car was bumped from behind and into the back of Sterling Marlin’s car which sent him out of control and skidding along the wall of the racetrack before colliding with Ken Schrader‘s vehicle and finally slamming into the wall with a devastating impact that left his car a crumpled mess and Earnhardt unconscious.

Later, Earnhardt died at the hospital. The entire accident and the subsequent drama was played and replayed on the televisions, while fans all across the globe mourned the death of this star.