Ben

Ben’s story is a particularly sad one for sports car enthusiasts like me. While not reported via the media, the accident involved the wife of a well-known art collector and so the details are somewhat more available, albeit via anecdote.

Ben Andrews died when he encouraged his then sixteen year old daughter to “put the pedal to the metal” in his new Corvette approaching a small hill in Hockinson, Washington. Unfortunately for them, another car was at the top of the hill and was turning onto the same road when they collided.

The Corvette was engulfed in flames. Ben’s daughter was able to get out of the car; Ben was not, and he died in the fire. The occupants of the other car survived, including six and nine year old children.

This accident could have been much, much worse.

There is a stop sign at the top of that hill now, just a few yards from Ben’s descanso. Both serve as a reminder about the fragility of life.

Rest in peace, Ben.