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Community Cares Thomas Hatch

Covina, California -- Speed Truck Challenge Championship points leader Lee Hatch’s 13 year old son Thomas, was killed in watercraft accident at Puddingstone Lake in San Dimas, California yesterday morning.

Thomas was piloting a 3 seater watercraft with his father Lee as a passenger when the watercraft spun out of control and was hit head-on by another 3 seater watercraft with Lee’s daughter, 15 year old Jennifer as a passenger. The blunt force of the accident was consumed by the chest and head area of Thomas Hatch and the extreme force threw Thomas and his father off the craft into the water.

Lee immediately started CPR on his son in the water until Thomas was taken to the shore where Emergency Medical Technicians and Puddingstone Lake Life Guards continued CPR for approximately 45 minutes. Thomas Hatch was pronounced dead at San Dimas Community Hospital at approximately 11:00 AM from massive chest and head injuries.

Thomas Hatch is survived by his sister Jennifer, mother Helen and father Lee. Memorial services are pending Coroner’s report.

A Thomas Hatch Memorial Fund has been established to help the family with final expenses. Donations can be delivered to the following address of Bryan and Carol Hatch, Lee’s parents.

Please make checks payable to:
Thomas Hatch Memorial Fund
C/O Bryan and Carol Hatch
1564 E. Dexter Street
Covina, CA 91724
626-339-0168

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hatch family -- Jay Rutherford

Thomas Hatch Updates

  • 06/08/2003 - LEE DEDICATES RACE, SERIES, LIFE TO HIS SON, THOMAS
    Thomas Hatch was just any other 11-year-old in his Covina neighborhood. His favorite activities were fishing with his grandfather and being a part of his father's racing team. ...
    .: More

  • 06/06/2003 - FUNERAL AND MEMORIAL SERVICES SET FOR THOMAS HATCH
    VIEWING - June 8th – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM

    OAKDALE MEMORIAL PARK CHAPEL 1401 S. Grand Avenue ...
    .: More

Prayers and Support For Thomas Hatch

  • Andria
    I know you dont know me but i know how you feel my best friend was killed at pudding stone a few years back about the same way. I just lost my sister 3 years ago she was killed too so i pray to my sister and tell her to take care of your son up there god bless you. Here is her website www.angelfire.com/dc/adah
  • Trace Taft
    Wow i never knew... i was his friend throughout elementry school. we went to gladstone together... always had fun... i really hope you guys are ok... im so sorry... i just found this out. my prayers are with you.
  • Robert L Fovall
    My deepest sympathies are with you. Such a beautiful place for a very tragic accident. I cannot imagine the loss of a child. I have been a sailor for years and am reminded how quickly fun can turn to tragedy. I hope you are coping as well as you can. Sincerely, Bob
  • Drina and Jessica Alvarez (4RM: Center School)
    To the Hatch Family! I am very sorry for your loss, I know how much it hurts you! I new Thomas since the 7th grade! I might of hardly talked to Thomas, but I seen him around. I remember when he would come up to us and tell us"Look Look I got braces"! I will always remember him!
  • J & M MOTORING ACCESSORIES
    HELEN, JENNIFER, AND FAMILY WE ARE DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE LOSS OF THOMAS. HE HAS TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. CHERISH HIS MEMORY, AS WILL WE. #3 WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU!
  • Jessica Gonzales-Ramos
    Helen, Jennifer and Lee, Our Deepest Sympathy to you. We love you and may God Bless You!!!! Thomas, We'll never forget those long pretty eyelashes!!! Til We Meet Again......... We Love You
  • janet
    June 8, 2003 -- Lee: It has been very hard for me to talk to you to tell you I care, that I am sorry for the loss. I struggled with trying to figure out a way to say all the right things to make it better. But nothing will do that. I can only say I am sorry. I hurt for you and all your family. I do pray for you and will be thinking of all of you as you say your goodbyes to your little boy. I am so sorry, Lee. My prayers are with you and all of your family. The strength that you are showing is amazing. I know you must be so torn up inside. You have more people praying for you and your son and your family than will ever write on here. I wish I were there so I could hug you, you might not want one from me, but you would get it anyway. Be as strong as you can, and if you have days that just aren't the best, it's OK.
  • Peter-John Newton
    We want to let you know that prayers are there for you now and will continue to go out to you. We are lifting special prayers for Jennifer - the teen years are such a hard time in life and then this loss added to that - just know Jennifer that you are prayed for and that the racing community extends love and prayers to you. Also for Lee and the rest of the family and friends - you are all in our prayers. I am adding a special prayer for all of you that any painful memories of the accident will be replaced by tender loving joyful memories of Thomas. There are not words to erase the pain but please know the blessing of having Thomas as part of our racing community and the void there now is felt by us all. God Speed! Anne and Peter-John
  • Art Laski, Jr.
    Our deepest sympathies from my family to yours.
  • Amber O'Neil
    Lee, my best friend, you have been there for me in my most trying times. Please know that I am here for you and your family if you need anything at all. My heart breaks for all of you.
  • PHIL THOMAS
    IT'S SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND WHY THINGS HAPPEN THE WAY THEY DO, JUST PLEASE TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT, IF GOD BRINGS YOU TO IT, HE WILL ALSO BRING YOU THROUGH IT. THOMAS WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US IN OUR HEARTS, AND IN OUR MEMORIES,GOD BLESS YOU.
  • Marv Keller
    To the Hatch Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very trying time. My deepest and sincerest sympathy goes out to your entire family. RIP Thomas
  • Tom Merritt #29
    As the Lord giveth.. the Lord shall taketh away. God takes his finest Angels at a ripe and young age. Your lives have been blessed to have Thomas with you durring his way to short a stay on this earth. We shall all perish and the righetous shall sit the right hand of our Lord. Thomas has joined with many of our brother and sisters in their everlasting place to wait for you and I. Trust in the Lord and he will never foresaken you. I feel the pain of your loss and shall admire your faith. If it is within God's plan, may you have continued sucess in your quest for the chanpionship that Thomas would have wanted you to persue. Thomas has run his race and won ... May God protect all of you in the comming days. May I extend an open invatation to all of you that I am avialable at any time, in any place, if you feel a need for prayer. May God Draw You Closer in your hour of need.
  • Scott Franchimone & Robert Franchimone 31 Team
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
  • Mary Yegenian
    TO THE HARMON & HATCH FAMILY MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCE. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS OUR WITH YOU.
  • Jeffrey Meads
    I'm truly sorry.
  • Lee and Sammie Harmon
    Lee, Steph Jennifer, Kendahl, and Helen......there are no words to describe the way you are feeling right now....and nothing we can say will take the pain away...know that god is with you and we are here for you....you are in our prayers...Thomas will be missed very much...he will be in all of our hearts for ever
  • Michael kurkjian
    Our deepest condolences, may God give you and your family the strength to overcome these tough times.
  • DIRK SAYRE
    LEE, HELEN, JENNIFER,BRIAN, CAROL, I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR SON, GRANDSON. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS WILL BE WITH YOU DURING THIS TOUGH TIME.
  • JOE AND CHRIS ODDO
    OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU LEE AND YOUR FAMILY MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP THOMAS
  • (DMM Motorsports) Scott & Jubie
    Lee, Helen, Jennifer, Brian & Carol, We are very sorry to here about the loss of Thomas! There are no words that can take away the pain you all must be feeling. If there is anything we can do to comfort you in a time like this. We will be thinking of you and praying for you every day. Stay strong and God bless. Sincerely, Scott and Jubie Rueschenberg
  • RB3 Racing #99 MWST
    Lee, from the crew and families of the #99 truck, our deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family. We will stand with you all the way.
  • STEVE and ROSANN RICHARDSON
    Lee, There are no words that can make this better. Just know that we are there for you and your whole family. You know you can call anytime, day or night. You were there for us and now we will be there for you. We care and our thoughts and prayer are with you and your family.
  • Matt Reed
    Lee, I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts...
  • IRENE,GABRIEL AND GILBERT GONZALES
    HELEN AND JENNIFER, THIS IS YOUR COUSIN IRENE THOMAS YOUR LITTLE COUSINS GABRIEL AND GILBERT WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH AND WILL CHERISH ALL THE RUNNING AND JUMPING AND ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD THOMAS I WILL MISS PLAYING WITH YOUR EARS AND MAKING WEIRD NOISES AND FLICKING THEM AND HEARING YOUR MOM AND SIS LAUGHING IN THE BACK ROUND TIL WE ARE ALL TOGETHER IN HEAVEN MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN THIS TIME OF YOUR LOSE LEE REMEMBER WHAT I SAID BE STRONG AND FOR YOU HELEN AND JENNIFER MY UNCLE FRANK AND AUNT OFELIA AND ALL FAMILY MEMMBERS WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH
  • BECKY MCBRI DE/CAJON SPEEDWAY
    THERE IS SO MUCH SORROW IN OUR LIVES RIGHT NOW. BROKEN HEARTS ARE NEVER FAR.PLEASE KNOW LEE, THAT OUR HEARTS ARE MENDING. WE WILL PRAY FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY AS WE TRY TO HEAL OURSELVES.THE LORD PROMISES SO MANY GREAT BLESSINGS, THE ONES I LOOK FORWARD TO ARE THE PROMISE OF ETERNITY.HE ALSO KNOWS EVERY TEAR WE CRY.FEEL HIS PRESENCE IN YOUR TIME OF NEED. HIS STRENGHT IS HOW WE CAN SURVIVE THESE TRAGIC EVENTS SURROUNDING US.RACING FAMILIES KNOW NO BOUNDRIES.OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DAILY.
  • Reggie Church uwst #57
    lee im so sorry, be stronge my friend , if you need anything you know how to find me, god speed thomas
  • Performance Motorsports WW#77
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our prayers are that Thomas did not suffer and that he is now with his Father in Heaven.
  • Derrick Shannon
    My deepest sympathies for your loss. May you and your family find comfort in God's plan. I pray for you and your family.
  • Davina Simons
    To The Hatch Family I'm Sorry To Hear The lost of your 13 year old son. my thoughts are with you and your family in your time of need
  • Phillip, Devann, Myles, and Shawn Dase
    Uncle Lee and Auntie Steph we are here for you and are praying for all of you. Thomas was a great kid. He is watching over all of you now. We love you and miss you.
  • Pamela Rowlette & Amber Dawn & Cody Lane
    Helen and Jennifer, and all that loved Thomas, for the bright, talented and very special boy that he is. The three of us are praying for all of you that the times ahead will not weigh heavy on your hearts and all you feel will be a smile on your face remembering our boy Thomas as he should be rememberd. [ Wheres the doggies?] { O.K. FLAGPOLE!!!!!!} Forever your friends, Pamela,Amber and Cody Lane
  • Denise Summit
    I am Thomas's cousin and on the behalf of my family, I would like to thank everyone for their support. Words can't even begin to express what all the support and prayers means to us. It means so much to us to know that Thomas touched so many peoples' lives in the short amount of time we were blessed to have with him. He is truly an angel and we miss and love him dearly. ** I love you, my Lean-Doh!** Thank you once again.
  • Woods Motorsports #89 UWST
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you and your family.
  • Bill & Karen Stefanski
    Our deepest sympathies to the Hatch Family. May God be with you at this time of sorrow, and always.
  • Potts/Nascimento Motorsports 31 FSWT
    Sorry to here about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family
  • Dave Lewis
    Our deepest heartfelt simpathies go out to the entire Hatch family....you are all in our hearts and prayers...please lean on your friends and hopefully your faith for strength. Be strong as Thomas was strong. Some people come into our lives and quickly go...others come and stay for a while...then there is the "one" that comes and leaves little footprints on our heart and we are never ever the same.....cherish those footprints and know that he lives and will forever be watching over you now! Thomas now knows what we can only imagine...be glad in that. There is no more pain......only love and peace. You will be together again....and this is only possible through our Lord Jesus Christ. Dave, Connie, Andrew Lewis & Josh Gilbert.
  • David Mantooth
    May God hold you in his hands and care for you while the time passes that will hopefully mend your broken hearts.
  • David Jeffries
    A true hero that will be missed forever,God Speed Thomas.#11 NCTS
  • Racinamee 78 mini stock IS and family
    Our prayers are with your family at this sad time. Accidents of this nature are truely a sad time for the entire extended racing family. May your son rest at peace with the lord. God bless you all.
  • Robert Thomas
    May God and your friends give your family the strength to cope with this tragic loss.
  • Mike Herman USAR ProCup #34
    My deepest sympathy goes out to the Hatch Family . May the power of prayer help to ease your pain. God Speed Thomas.
  • N0RMAN HOPPER TRUCK #31
    MY HEART FELT SYMPATHY FOR THE FAMILY IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW,GOD BLESS.
  • McKean Racing Team and Families (swt 19)
    Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all your family. Keep your faith and God will see you through this time.
  • Ron's Rear Ends
    Our Sincerest Sympathy to the Hatch Family. God Speed Thomas!
  • Gina and Lisa McCarthy
    We are very sorry about your loss. You will be in our thoughts and our prayers. Our thoughts are with you. May god be with you and your family during this time of sorrow. With all our love. The McCarthy family.
  • CleanLine Motorsports FSWS #28/Brandon Whitt and crew members
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Thomas will also be in our prayers.
  • LYNCH MOB
    All our thoughts and all our prayers are with you!
  • The Goodwin Racing #33 Team
    To the Hatch family, our Hearts, Thoughts and Prayers go out to your family in this very difficult time. We know that words can not take away the pain you feel right now, but please know you can find strength and comfort in all of your Family and Friends.
  • Mark Reed
    To my Buddy Lee & his family I can't begin to tell you how much we feel for you & your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
  • Bryans Racing Ent. FSWS #76
    Our deepest sympathy. Your family is in our thoughts and Prayers.
  • Ron Nava
    Our most sincere condolences from the Nava family. There is strength in numbers All American Motor Sports
  • RMR157
    "A Man" Measure a man not by his victories but how he accepted his loses. Measure a man not by where he's been but how he worked to get there. Measure a man not by whom he has knocked down but by whom he helped up. Measure a man by not what he has destroyed but what he has created. Measure a man by not how many people he humiliated but by how many he left with dignity. Measure a man not by what he had but what he had given. When a man passes from this life to the next, measure him not by how he died but how he lived.
  • Donie Butts FSWT/ CTS 28
    Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you In this Time Of Need, I know words Can Not take away the pain of Loseing a Loved one, But turn to others that Love And Support you For Strenth. You Have Lots of Friends out here to turn to If you need Us. We all are one Big Family, GOD SPEED THOMAS.
  • Steve Prescott
    Lee I cannot tell you how sorry I am for you, dig deep for strength and we send all our Blessings.
  • Johnny Butler /Shamrock Motorsports
    Lee, Helen, Jennifer, Brian & Carol, all of us are deeply saddened by the news of Thomas. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you at a time like this. God has a new Angel by his side, and he will be in our prayers forever. John Butler and Shamrock Motorsports crew.
  • Darren Purcell and Family
    Lee and Family, I was shocked and saddened to hear about your son Thomas. Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this time. God Speed Thomas.
  • KENNY AND MARYLOU SMITH
    WE ARE SO SORRY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY KENNY AND MARYLOU #43
  • KINGSLANDS..MWST TEAM 88
    LEE VERY SORRY TO HERE THE NEWS ABOUT YOUR SON OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE HATCH FAMILY OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU..
  • Audrey & Matt Vaughn
    Lee, Helen & the Entire Hatch Family! We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. There are no words that can take away the pain you all must be feeling. But please know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers. God be wtih your family during your time of need.
  • ROBERT AND THE #58 TEAM
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this tough time. Our hearts are with you during this tough time. God speed thomas!! Robert Kroeker and the whole #58 team
  • Burritt Motorsports
    Lee, the Hatch Family and Race Team. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May god keep you strong through this tough time. God Speed young Thomas Hatch. Burritt Motorsports #21 Speed Truck
  • stgirl
    To the Hatch Family, We are deeply saddened to hear the news about Thomas. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you. Randy, Sherry and Katy Underwood
  • Brad & Dana Collins
    Our deepest sympathy to the Hatch Family. They will be in our Prayers.
  • CHRIS & DONNA HINES FSWS96
    FIND YOUR STRENGHT IN YOUR FREINDS AND LOVED ONED, GOD SPEED THOMAS! IN OUR PRAYERS!

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