Bobby East and mother Janice East Courtesy Janice East/Facebook
Rest in peace. Bobby East, a former racing champ, has died following a fatal stabbing incident. He was 37.
According to NBC News, the NASCAR driver was filling up at a gas station in Orange County, California when he was stabbed.
The Westminster Police Department arrived on the scene on Wednesday, July 13, and found East lying on the ground and “suffering from a serious stab wound to the chest,” according to a press release. The officers attempted life-saving measures, but East eventually died.
An investigation into the late athlete’s death is ongoing, though the police named Trent William Millsap as a suspect in the homicide case. After officers attempted to serve Millsap — whom they described as an armed “transient” — with an arrest warrant on Friday, July 15, he “became confrontational” and was shot and killed in a police shooting. Further details are still to be released.
“NASCAR is saddened to learn of the tragic death of Bobby East,” the racing organization told the Associated Press in a statement on Saturday, July 16. “We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Bobby, a true racer.”
East was a three time USAC National Champion and won tournaments in 2012, 2013 and 2014. East was also the youngest driver to win an USAC midget race at 16 years of age. He was also a USAC competitor. The California native raced on the NASCAR national touring series circuit between 2008 and 2005. East has won 48 national titles during his racing career.
“Very sad to hear of the tragic incident involving Legend USAC driver Bobby East. He was a formidable driver. Thoughts and prayers to his family,” former racing champion Todd Bodine tweetedSaturday
East drove for RFK Racing Clubs and Tony Stewart Racing all his life.
“The news of this murder is Tragic and wrong. He and his family were true racers,” RFK owner Brad KeselowskiVia Twitter after news of the late racer’s death broke. “Prayers for justice and peace.”
His father, a USAC Hall of Fame car builder, is the survivor of the two-time USAC Silver Crown champion. Bob EastMother Janice EastSisters AmyAnd Alison. Janice, for her part, confirmed her son’s passing on Saturday and shared the USAC’s obituary via Facebook alongside a heart emoji.
