The Leader has learned that Wayne Albright, 56, passed away in a New Mexico hospital in the evening on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

Albright’s plight was featured in a recent article regarding his family’s efforts to raise money to bring him back to Oakdale after he was hospitalized with the H1N1 virus in January.

Albright, a sprint race car enthusiast, was returning home from the Lucas Oil Sprint Chile Bowl in Tulsa, Oklahoma when he fell ill in Grants, Mew Mexico after battling flu-like symptoms.

Days later his conditioned worsened and he had to be medically flown to Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque.

Albright was married to Judith Albright for 38 years and was a long-time employee of A.L. Gilbert Company in Oakdale.

Judith Albright has set up a way for those interested in contributing to do so, by going to a health donor website at www.healthdonor.com and typing “Wayne Albright” in the search field. Contributions may also be sent to Bank of the West, care of the Wayne Albright Fund at 134 S. Maag Ave., Oakdale, CA 95361.