Driver Brad Hanners passed away on Tuesday morning (Sept. 15) at the Ohio State University James Cancer Center at the age of 43.
Hanners, 43, of Sabina, OH, passed away peacefully with his wife, Alicia, and children at his side, following complications from Renal Cell Carcinoma. The harness racing community rallied behind the reinsman with multiple fundraisers at various tracks, including an online GoFundMe page to help offset the cost of treatment. That initiative had raised more than $18,000 in less than two weeks.
Brad was a great family man with a passion for the Standardbred horse business where he was an outstanding driver and trainer. He accumulated a total of 4,888 wins as a driver and 357 wins as a trainer. Some of his better horses that he trained include Core Furst, Nannina, Pacolabrook and Rehab Mountain. One of the biggest driving wins of his career came in the 2009 Dan Patch at Hoosier Park behind pacing powerhouse Mister Big.
Brad also loved watching his children play basketball and football. His children shared his passion for the horse business as well. Brad was an avid Ohio State fan. He will be missed by the entire harness racing industry.
He was born March 20, 1972, in Fayette Co., OH to Alva Lee Hanners and Betty Jean (Coe) Hanners, who survive. On December 12, 1997, he married the former Alicia C. Jones, also surviving. Brad has four children: JorDan (23), Austin (16), Luke (14) and Mia (6); sisters: Kathy (Jeff) Smith; Sandy Edelberg; a brother William Hanners; two nephews, Tyler and Trevor Smith; a niece Ashley (Matt) Massie; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and very close friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 18, at Open Door Church, 3130 S. Bridge St., Chillicothe, with Pastor Mark Pfeifer officiating. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Friday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Haller Funeral Home and Crematory.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Brad Hanners.
It's funny how even though I
It's funny how even though I am only just a bettor, after 40 years of watching and betting on racing it almost begins to feel like you become part of this very tight community that horse people are. I don't pretend to know these trainers and drivers because I am only a fan and a spectator. Having watched racing mostly on Ontario in the early years we got to see mostly Ontario drivers and jockeys. However with the advent of simulcasting we get to see them from all over the world. As strange as it seems you begin to feel that you develop a bond with the horse racing community.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Brad first and foremost because he is a human being who had a family and people who loved him. Secondly because he was part of a community of people that despite all the times you get upset for losing a bet on a race you feel close to these people. You almost feel like one of them.
I said a prayer for Brad as soon as I read of his passing this morning. My condolences go out to his family and all those hep he was close to who knew him and loved him. I am sorry for your loss. However as a Catholic Christian I take consolation in believing that Brad may be resting in Our Lady's arms. May she be with his soul at this time and soon bring him into the glory of heaven. May our Lord comfort his family and friends at this very difficult time.
To Brad, may perpetual light shine on your immortal soul. May you rest in peace.
43 years of age, 4 young
43 years of age, 4 young children, a wife and many others... How precious is life? God bless Brad and his family.
My condolences to the Hanners
My condolences to the Hanners family. A life taken too young by a nasty disease. R.I. P. Brad.
How a life (lives) can change
How a life (lives) can change in 5 weeks. I never knew you Brad, but RIP my friend.