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Fans stunned as NASCAR’s Jason Leffler dies in crash | GlobalPost
Kaitlin Funaro June 13, 2013 01:02
NASCAR driver Jason Leffler, 37, died after an accident Wednesday night at a dirt car event in New Jersey.
Fans were shocked to learn that champion NASCAR driver Jason Leffler died Wednesday following a crash at a New Jersey event.
The two-time Nationwide Series winner was pronounced dead shortly after 9 p.m., New Jersey State Police said.
“NASCAR extends its thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the family of Jason Leffler who passed away earlier this evening,” NASCAR said in a statement.
“For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed.”
Sgt. Adam Grossman told USA TODAY Sports that Leffler had to be extricated from his vehicle after hitting a wall around 8:30 p.m.
Eyewitness Chris Taitt, 40, told the newspaper that Leffler’s car hit the wall twice and “then it was flopping all over.”
Leffler was transported to a New Jersey hospital where he was pronounced dead.
“We are very saddened at the passing of Jason Leffler,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO J. Douglas Boles said in a statement.
“Jason was a terrific guy who always had time for everyone. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his entire family, team and fans.”
Leffler, a native of Long Beach, Calif. who had his nickname “LefTurn” etched above the driver’s side window on his race cars, leaves behind a 5-year-old son, Charlie.
Several of Leffler’s fellow NASCAR drivers paid tribute to their colleague on Twitter.
I’m completely devastated to hear a bout Jason Leffler. It doesn’t seem real. Pray for his family tonight
— Trevor Bayne (@Tbayne21) June 13, 2013
Sitting here in disbelief.. All I can think about is Charlie.. Prayers to the Lefler family…
— Elliott Sadler (@Elliott_Sadler) June 13, 2013
Such sad news tonight. Leffler was a great person and even better dad. I am glad I got to know him. Rest in peace #LEFturn
— Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) June 13, 2013
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