The racing world was struck with some extremely saddening news on Saturday regarding former NASCAR driver Bobby East.
East was reportedly stabbed multiple times at a gas station in an altercation in California on Wednesday. He was found at the scene and immediately rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The suspect, Trent William Millsap was later found by the police after police officers were informed of his location, and he was shot and killed by local police after a raid was conducted in the apartment he was staying at.
It is unclear exactly what sparked the altercation, but this tragic accident has clearly taken a toll on the racing world, and many took to social media to express their sadness and condolences after this senseless altercation.
Terrible news. NASCAR driver Bobby East is stabbed to death at Los Angeles-area gas station. Prayers for his family. RIP https://t.co/B3MvN92hik
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) July 16, 2022
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
— Todd Bodine (Official) (@Team_Onion) July 16, 2022
Bobby East had 42 starts combined in the Xfinity and truck series. Shocking and sad to read about his stabbing. RIP. https://t.co/UGHbHlpJg4
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 15, 2022
Hearing about the death of Bobby East. Prayers to an amazing racing family.
— Matthew Dillner (@MatthewDillner) July 16, 2022
East has been a longtime veteran of the stock car racing scene throughout his career, winning 56 USAC races throughout his career, and last raced at USAC during a Silver Crown event in 2014.
He also spent time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, racing 31 times on the circuit as well as 11 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series between 2005 and 2008.
Losing one of the greats in any sport is awful, but doing so in a senseless act of violence in this fashion makes things even more saddening.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.