Obituary: Sean Edwards 1986-2013

They are modern day heroes. They are the men and women who strap themselves into some of the fastest vehicles on this planet today, and know the dangers.

We have lost another hero.

Sean Edwards, the son of former Formula One driver Guy Edwards was killed today at the young age of 26.

While coaching a driver in a Porsche at Queensland Raceway in Australia, the driver lost control of the car, slamming into a concrete and tire wall. Edwards was killed instantly.

Before his fateful day, Edwards posted to his Twitter account about his upcoming event: "Time to hit Queensland Raceway today, should be fun, hope there aren't too many kangaroos like at Bathurst!"

The young driver was a favorite among paddocks all across the globe, being considered as one of the nicest drivers coming up through the ranks. The racing community was quick to react to the news with shock and sadness.

Former F1 driver and television commentator David Coulthard was one of the first to express his sadness: "shocking news about Sean Edwards passing, top man and super talented racer, condolences to his nearest and dearest."

Dominik Farnbacher tweeted: "Can't believe it. I am shocked. After loosing Allan (Simonsen) we now loose Sean. RIP my friend"

NASCAR's up and coming star Parker Kligerman took pause on his twitter feed as well: "I'll always remember the battles sim racing back a couple years ago saying we were both gonna "make it".. God speed"

The British racer got his professional start in racing in 2003, and his first win in British Formula Ford that same year. In only 12 starts, and 4 podiums, he was able to finish a solid 4th in points.

He spent much of his career from that point racing in various GT series, including British GT, the FIA GT3 Championship. He had called the Porsche Supercup home the past couple years and was contending for the title this season. He even made three starts in the American Le Mans Series for NGT Motorsports.

Edwards wasn't just adept at driving a Porsche, winning the 24 Hours of Dubai twice with Mercedes and taking the win at the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring this year with Black Falcon, also in a Mercedes.

Earlier this year, at an ADAC Masters GT race, Edwards stepped into the vacated ride of Allan Simonsen, who also passed away in a racing incident this year, which is not only a show of character but a demonstration of the camaraderie that is infectious in motor racing.

He even helped work on the new Film “Rush” that depicts the 1976 Formula One Season. He played his father in the film, who was one of the first cars to arrive on the scene of Niki Lauda’s fiery accident, attempting to pull the German from the fiery wreckage.