Bobby East with mother Janice East.
Courtesy of Janice East/FacebookRest in peace. Bobby East, a former racing champion, has died after a fatal stabbing. He was 37.
The NASCAR driver had been filling up his car at an Orange County, California gas station when he was stabbed by another individual, according to NBC News.
The Westminster Police Department arrived at the scene on Wednesday, July 13, and found East lying on the ground “suffering from a severe stab wound to the chest,” according to a news release. Officers attempted life-saving measures until local medics arrived to transport East to a local trauma center where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
An investigation into the death of the late athlete is ongoing, although police have named Trent William Millsap as a suspect in the murder case. After officers tried to serve Millsap — whom they described as an armed “bystander” — with an arrest warrant on Friday, July 15, he “became confrontational” and was shot and killed in a shootout from the police. Other details have not yet been released.
“NASCAR is saddened to learn of the tragic death of Bobby East,” the racing organization told The Associated Press in a statement Saturday, July 16. “We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Bobby, a true runner.”
East was a three-time United States Automobile Club (USAC) National Champion, winning the event in 2004, 2012 and 2013. He was also the youngest driver to win a USAC Mid-Range event at the age of 16. In addition to his USAC competitive streak, the California native raced for the national NASCAR touring series circuit between 2005 and 2008. East had won 48 national titles throughout his racing career.
“Very saddened to hear of the tragic incident involving Legend USAC driver Bobby East. He was a hell of a wheeler. Thoughts and prayers to his family,” former racing champion Todd Bodine posted on Twitter on Saturday.
Throughout his career, East drove for clubs such as Tony Stewart Racing and RFK Racing.
“The news about this murder is tragic and wrong. He and his family were true runners,” the owner of RFK Brad Keselowski wrote via I tweet after news of the late runner’s death was released. “Prayers for justice and peace.”
The two-time USAC Silver Crown champion is survived by his father, a USAC Hall of Fame car builder Bob Eastmother Janice East and sisters Amy AND Alison. Janice, for her part, confirmed her son’s death on Saturday and shared the USAC obituary via Facebook along with a heart emoji.
