NASCAR star Bobby East has been stabbed to death at a petrol station in California whilst filling up his car. East was rushed to hospital following the attack but was later pronounced dead.
Police have arrested Trent William Millsap, aged 27, who allegedly stabbed the three-time US Auto Club (USAC) champion. The incident happened in Westminster on Wednesday with East rushed to a nearby hospital afterwards.
However, despite the efforts of emergency responders East tragically died as a result of his injury.
A statement from Westminster police read: "The victim was found on the ground suffering from a serious stab wound to the chest area. Officers attempted life saving measures until OCFA paramedics arrived and transported the victim to a local trauma centre, where the victim succumbed to his injury."
Police also added that Millsap was also accused of stabbing another man at the gas station before his alleged attack on East.
The 37-year-old racer, of Torrance, California, was a star in the racing world after he captured three USAC national driving titles. He also won the SAC Silver Crown championships in 2004, 2012 and 2013.
He first earned national recognition in 2001 when he won a feature at the USAC National Midget event aged just 16, the youngest to ever achieve that feat. In total he managed 22 USAC National Midget wins during his career and raced in 42 NASCAR national competitions between 2005 and 2008. He also competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, taking part in 11 races over a two year span.
He was always seen as a natural on a racetrack as the son of USAC Hall of Fame car builder Bob East and he understandably gained vast numbers of fans thanks to his talent and ability racing.
Two-time NASCAR Champion Todd Bodine was one of those to pay tribute to East on social media. He said: "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."
More fans paid tribute on social media with another saying: "there was a stretch where Bobby East was so dominant at IRP, that everyone knew showing up you were racing for second. One of the best to ever do it on pavement. Thoughts are with Bob, Janice, and the rest of the East Family."
Another wrote: "I have the best memories of working with Bobby East. In an open wheel car, there was no one better. So sorry to hear the news today. My love and thoughts are with his parents Bob and Janice, and the entire East family. Race in peace Bobby."
East's last victory under USAC came in 2013 in the Silver Crown series at Colorado's Pikes Peak International Raceway. His last race was the following year when he finished third at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
East's stabbing took place in Orange County, just south of Los Angeles, which is continuing to see an increase in violent crimes. According to the Los Angeles Police Department violent crimes were up 8.2 per cent in LA County, with robberies up 20.8 per cent over the last year.
