Off-road racer Rick Huseman dies in plane crash

Professional off-road racer Rick Huseman died Sunday after a small plane he was riding in crashed near Dolores Lake, east of Barstow, Calif. According to Monster team manager Ramses Perez, Huseman's brother Jeff was killed as well. A third victim has not been identified.

Born in 1973, Huseman was a Riverside, Calif., native and competed in the Championship Off-Road Racing series in the 4×4 class, among others.

California police found the wreckage around 2:30 p.m., after receiving a call at about 1:45 p.m. regarding a plane crash near the lake.

A statement on the Rick Huseman Racing Web site says, "Tragically, Rick and his brother, Jeff, passed away October 16th in a plane crash. We will post funeral arrangements as soon as they are available. Please keep Michelle and the Huseman family in your prayers."

Huseman was presented the 2010 DirtSports Magazine Driver of the Year award.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.