Richard Burns

[Coobeastie]

Does anybody else agree that it was shocking how little coverage Richards Burns death at the age of 34 got in the press when George Best had pages and pages dedicated to him when he'd spent the best part of his life pickling himself.

[bernardo]

Who he?

[Coobeastie]

exactly......

He was the 2001 World Rally Champion. And Englands (note not Scotland or anyother part of the UK) bestest rally driver cut off in his prime.

for more info....

http://www.richardburns.com/index.cfm

Why is it that the country is so obsessed with football? George Best hadn't played professionally since 1973 and even then he was past his prime and sozzled.

Yet we almost went into a state of national mourning on his passing.

[Dolly1308]

I'm sorry Coobeastie ,I didn't know Richard Burns but I am very sorry to hear of his premature death and his and his family's suffering .It's always the way isn't it 'the good die young and go unnoticed but he has got the people who matter to renenber him ,God Bless him .

[stevie21]

I think that's your answer : if this was the headline story on the News at Ten then half the nation would be thinking "who on earth is Richard Burns?"

He may very well have been a more worthy individual, leading a respectable existence but we'll leave that to God rather than news editors to be concerned with.

[littleoldme]

I agree completely, Coobeastie. Even though I'm a big fan of rally drivinging and knew he had been ill (unlike some, not through his own doing), I still first heard of his death on this very site. I know rally is not as popular as football, but when England's first world champion (and world champion just four short years ago at that) dies in his mid-thirties, you'd think it would get some coverage, even if they just tagged it on to all the Diana-esque mourning, wailing and gnashing of teeth about George Best.

[littleoldme]

Rally drivinging? I've just invented a new sport!

[kick3m0n]

I agree totally, and I posted an RIP in sport the weekend of his death because I didnt' think many folk would have heard teh news. Of course it was always going to be overshadowed by the death of an infamous tabloid fodder hero, but the only coverage it got really was on Top Gear. JC was obviously a close friend of his, so they did a tribute montage of clips, and JC said a few words which were very moving. As I am 34 same age as Burns, it hit me really hard. I'd watched him all through his rally career, whereas Best was just a tabloid drunk to me. I really think it was an utter tragedy for motor sport that someone who still had so much to give got taken away so early, and after such a prolonged fight against his brain tumour. For me personally, it was a far bigger tragedy than the Best saga (and I say that as someone who loves football). It still brings tears to my eyes to think about it actually.

[Pies]

A sad loss and i agree completely

Top gear at least had a small tribute to him last Sunday

[bigdog]

Extreamly unfair, but typical. I have no sympathy for the late mr best. He drunk his self to death, not before taking a donor liver. wich could have gone to some one who would have cherished life, and made the most of there second chance.. he was ungreatfull. and didnt deserve the honour that the tabloids gave him. Where as burns. did nothing wrong at all. he was a great english sporting hero. struck down in his finest years.

The media should take a look at there selves and feel ashamed. all they have done is promoted the image of an over paid proffession, with an over indulgent lifestyle. by maing best a martyr.

Rip richard burns. a true champion.

[Drisgirl]

Sorry But have I missed something here.Whilst Mr Best was lying dying in the hospital surrounded by the ones he loved was he writing his own obituries and headlines in anticipatione of his own demise.Was Max Clifford involved?You all want to get a life - the man was DYING - he didnt know what planet he was on..

As for Richard Burns - I was astonished at his demise as I was led to believe he had had the all clear.A great loss in the prime of his life.My thoughts are with his family.

[Drisgirl]

BTW Bigdog - I am not being pedantic but it was the anti rejection drugs which lowered his immune system allowing the infection to take such a grip.He also donated all his organs when he died - liver included I believe.

Must be great to be sooo self righteous.I am glad when I go people will have remembered me - good or bad.Life is for living.

[ianess]

A great many people knew that Richard was very ill, but nevertheless it was a tragedy for all who knew him that his young life was cut short by an unavoidable illness.
Motor sport does not and never will get the same media coverage as football but I think the George Best situation has been more than adequately covered.
Time to let the families grieve and try to get back to some semblance of normality.

[gaza47]

also the very little coverage of the sad death of Pat Morita a.k.a. Mr miyagi from the films the karate kid