Bobby East, a previous racing champion, was fatally stabbed in an altercation. He was 37. 

The tragic death was further aggravated by the fact that the stabber, was also shot dead. While that is a sort of justice, the world now would not understand the motivation behind his act. 

According to NBC News, the NASCAR driver was attacked at a gas station in Orange County, California, as he was filling up his vehicle. 

According to a news release, when the Westminster Police Department got on the scene on Wednesday, July 13, they discovered East laying on the ground with a "severe stab wound to the chest." The officers attempted to save East's life until local paramedics arrived to transfer him to a trauma center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injury. 

The police have named Trent William Millsap as a suspect in the homicide inquiry, however the investigation into the death of the deceased athlete remains ongoing.

On Friday, July 15, when officers sought to serve Millsap, whom they characterized as an armed "transient," with an arrest warrant, he "became hostile" and was fatally shot by police. Additional information has 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 on Saturday, July 16. "We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Bobby, a true racer."

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East was a three-time National Champion of the United States Auto Club (USAC), having won tournaments in 2004, 2012, and 2013. At the age of 16, he was also the youngest driver to win a USAC midget race. In addition to his USAC career, the California native competed between 2005 and 2008 in the NASCAR national touring series. East had won 48 national championships during his career. 

"Very sad to hear of the tragic incident involving Legend USAC driver Bobby East. He was one heck of a wheelman. Thoughts and prayers to his family," former racing champion Todd Bodine tweeted on Saturday.

 

East drove for clubs such as Tony Stewart Racing and RFK Racing throughout his career. 

"The news of this murder is Tragic and wrong. He and his family were true racers," RFK owner Brad Keselowski wrote via Twitter after news of the late racer's death broke. "Prayers for justice and peace."

The two-time USAC Silver Crown champion is survived by his mother, Janice East, and two sisters, Amy and Alison. His father, USAC Hall of Fame car constructor Bob East, is also deceased.

Janice, for her part, confirmed her son's death on Saturday and published the USAC's obituary with a heart emoji on Facebook.

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Tags: Bobby East Nascar