Luca Illien, a short appreciation

It is with deep sadness, and almost disbelief, that HERO-ERA learned of the tragic passing of Luca Illien, the son of Catherine and Mario Illien.

HERO-ERA wishes to convey their deepest sympathies and sincere commiserations to the family, from the entire group, from the Board of Directors to all the staff, for the loss of Luca at such a young age.

As part of the motor sport community and with HERO-ERA, Luca was accomplished and ever popular, he loved this sport and was a deserving finisher on P2P 2024 as was his sister Noele in 2019 when she too competed with Mario. We know Luca enjoyed a great P2P, and it was wonderful to see such a youthful spirit competing with vigour on such a tough event. That makes it even more tragic that his young life has been cut short.

He will be missed terribly, not just as a competitor but also as a great young man of real substance and character who had the world at his feet. It is such a cruel blow to the family whose grief must be beyond comprehension.  We wish to offer HERO-ERA's deep sorrow and sympathy for the grievous loss of Luca to Catherine, Mario and Noele.

He will always be remembered with great fondness by all who knew him in this company. God’s Speed Luca.

Mario gave us kind permission to reproduce this short appreciation of Luca that was issued by the family, with an appeal to the rally community for any memories of Luca that can be shared with them.