NASCAR Star Dale Earnhardt Dies in Race

D A Y T O N A   B E A C H, Fla., Feb. 19 -- Dale Earnhardt, one of the greatest drivers in auto racing history, died Sunday from injuries suffered in a last-lap crash at the Daytona 500.

An autopsy performed today to determine the exact cause of death, revealed Earnhardt died of blunt force trauma to the head, officials in Florida's Volusia County said, adding that they will treat the death as a "motor vehicle accident."

The 49-year-old stock car legend was traveling 180 mph, when his car was tapped from behind, turned around and sent head-on into a wall, only moments before his teammate Michael Waltrip and his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished the race in first and second places. In this final lap, Earnhardt was actually holding back by blocking the pack of cars behind him to give his son Dale, Jr. a chance to win the race. That's when Ken Schrader broadsided Earnhardt's car.

Doctor: Earnhardt Died Instantly

Rescuers attempted CPR while Earnhardt was pinned in his car. One of the first doctors on the scene said he believed Earnhardt died instantly.He never regained consciousness after the crash.

"I could tell, it broke my heart what was going happening," said track physician Dr. Steve Bohannon.

"I watched my hero die," says Pat Polysen, who was aboard a rescue and recovery team truck that rushed to the scene Sunday.

Earnhardt was cut free from his vehicle and transported to Halifax Medical Center with his son Dale, Jr. by his side. Earnhardt was pronounced dead soon after arrival, Dr. Steve Bohannon said.

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"This is undoubtedly one of the toughest announcements that I've ever had to personally make," said NASCAR president Mike Helton, "but after the accident in turn four at the Daytona 500 we've lost Dale Earnhardt."

NASCAR chairman Bill France spoke during a news conference in Daytona Beach today and said he "couldn't think of a time that has been more tough in NASCAR history."

"He was a dear friend and he really liked the sport," France said. "Dale built NASCAR to what it is today. He will be a part of the sport for many generations to come."