Australian motorsport rocked by death of 28-year-old champion driver Cameron Bartholomew

Australian motorsport has been rocked by the death of 28-year-old Brisbane driver Cameron ‘Chicken Hawk’ Bartholomew.

The shock news was announced on social media by Bartholomew’s fiancée, Chloe O’Carroll, immediately sparking a flood of tributes for the Hyundai Excel state champion.

“With the heaviest of hearts we announce that heaven gained another angel this morning,” O’Carroll wrote on Facebook on Thursday night.

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“Our beloved Cameron Bartholomew has passed away and we are in complete shock.

“Understandably we are heartbroken and are spending this time as a family to support one another during this difficult time. We respectfully ask for privacy whilst we grieve and reminisce the life that we were so lucky to share with Cam.

“For those that had the pleasure of knowing and being touched by Cameron’s presence, there will be memorial details shared in time.”

Friends and industry representatives were obviously stunned and immediately paid their respects.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce the sudden, unexpected, and tragic passing of one of our own racing family, Cam Bartholomew,” Series X3 Club Queensland.

“Cam was a loveable larrikin with a heart of gold and a passion for racing, always keen to help others, especially those he considered mates, and keep the authorities on their toes.

“He will be deeply missed. Vale Cam! Series X3 Qld offers our deepest condolences to Glen, Chris, Chloe and their families.”

Track Attack Australia said it was devastating news.

“So very sad to hear today that one of the very earliest TAA Excel family passed away suddenly last night.

“RIP Cameron ‘chicken hawk’ Bartholomew. Taken too early and all of our thoughts are with Chloe, their children, the extended Bartholomew family and close friends.

“Cam was a brilliant steerer and fierce competitor but lit up any conversation and always had a smile on his face. The TAA family would like to pass on its sincere condolences.”

Fellow driver Brock Giblin said he was “just absolutely heartbroken”.

“Cameron Bartholomew was one of the first I messaged 11years ago when I first started racing cars, to lose him today is just nothing short of shattering,” Giblin wrote.

“My deepest condolences and thoughts go out to his family. I’m going to miss you heaps mate. #95Forever.”

Former co-driver Jayden James Peacock said “gutted is an understatement”.

“Glad I got the opportunity years ago to go Porsche racing with KPH racing crewing with Cameron. We were both only baby’s but made some dam good memories. From there we become good mates …

“Love ya, mate, rest easy. Our thoughts are with Chloe the kids and family.”