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Brother of slain MIT officer works for Hendrick Motorsports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The tragedy unfolding in Boston hit home for people working at Hendrick Motorsports.

Machinist Andrew Collier's brother died in a confrontation with the Boston Marathon bombing suspects, authorities said.

Andrew left to be with his family in Boston, but those who consider themselves his family are grieving in Charlotte. One worker described the mood at Hendrick Motorsports Friday as somber.

Driver Jimmy Johnson is preparing for a race in Kansas. He said he is still hoping for answers about the shooting that claimed the life of MIT University Officer Sean Collier.

“We are one big family, and it is sad to see a fellow teammate and his family going through such a tough time,” Johnson said.

Police near Boston are still gathering details about the shooting that ended in the death of the 26-year-old officer. They said he was responding to a disturbance near campus when the two bombing suspects shot and killed him.

Eyewitness News was told Andrew Collier got word about the shooting early Friday morning.

“A very sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with the Collier family,” Johnson said.

The loss rocked other drivers.

“It's a shame that these things keep happening. It's very, very sad,” Clint Boyer said.

Collier's family released a statement saying, "We are heartbroken by the loss of our wonderful and caring son and brother, Sean.

Our only solace is that Sean died bravely doing what he committed his life to - serving and protecting others."

Hendrick Motorsports also gave an official statement, saying their thoughts and prayers are with Andrew Collier and his family.