The longtime NASCAR star is surely heartbroken over the sudden death of his friend that he had just met last year.
Just over a year ago, Dale Earnhardt Jr. took a day off in Atlanta, GA to make a pit stop at the College Football Hall of Fame to meet someone that looked up to him for a very long time.
One of his biggest fans, 12-year-old Austin Freeman had his dream come true when he was surprised by a fun-filled day with Dale Jr. doing so many amazing things! For that one day, Austin didn’t have to think about his cancer or treatment.
At just 10, Austin was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma, that usually is found only in children. In March of 2015, he had been declared cancer-free, but tragically suffered a relapse and was about to begin treatment when his surprise day with Dale Jr. came about.
Tragically, earlier today (October 24th, 2016) Dale Jr. posted a few photos of the day he spent with Austin on Twitter and revealed that he had just received deeply troubling news about Austin’s health.
“Got the sad news that our friend Austin who we met last year at the [College Football Hall of Fame] has passed. Was an honor to meet him.”
The devastating news has left many mourning the loss of such a bright, strong soul. Surely, Dale Jr. will never forget the day that he and Austin raced around a mini-track on motorized coolers.
Got the sad news that our friend Austin who we met last year at the @cfbhall has passed. Was an honor to meet him. @CUREchildcancer pic.twitter.com/EsTAUGi7oc
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) October 24, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with Austin’s family during this very difficult time.
Watch the video below about their fun-filled surprise day together.
To help make a difference in the fight against childhood cancer, please visit the CURE Childhood Cancer website.