‘Our hearts are broken’: 77-year-old dies in drag racing accident moments after winning race

WOODBURN Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - A 77-year-old Oregon man died in a tragic accident at a dragstrip moments after winning a race, according to authorities.

Deputies said around 7 p.m. Saturday, 77-year-old Dave Sattem won a race at the “Oldies but Goodies” event at the Woodburn Drag Strip. He then lost control of the vehicle, crashed, and died, KPTV reported.

Woodburn Dragstrip remembered Sattem in a post.

“Our hearts are broken,” the business said. “As most of you know by now, we lost a true champion. Our Track family is deeply saddened by the loss. Our thoughts, love and prayers go out to Dave’s family in this time.”

Sattem’s wife Linda said before he got into drag racing, he would motorcycle race.

“He was a very outgoing person,” she said. “He had a great smile.”

Linda said Sattem was known as the “Silver Fox” and loved his racing community. She said he was driving his 1933 Willys Coupe when he crashed, but she wasn’t in attendance for the race.

Now, Linda is leaning on family and friends for support.

“There’s been so many people that have come out to help me, called me, brought me food, and I’m still trying to deal with all the paperwork that goes along with death,” she said. “I think I’m doing OK.”

Sattem, an Air Force veteran, was going to celebrate his 48th wedding anniversary next month.

He leaves behind his wife and son.

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