Bobby East, popular NASCAR driver, was stabbed to death at a gas station in California on Wednesday, authorities said on Saturday. He was 37 years old.

East was fueling up in Westminster when he was stabbed in the chest. “The victim was found on the ground suffering from a serious stab wound to the chest area,” the local police said in a statement.

Also Read: Bobby East stabbing suspect Trent William Millsap shot and killed by police

“Officers attempted life saving measures until OCFA paramedics arrived and transported the victim to a local trauma center, where the victim succumbed to his injury.”

He was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

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Police identified the suspect as Trent William Millsap, a 27-year-old man. He allegedly stabbed another man at the 76 gas station before attacking East. The charges levied against him are not known.

Also Read: Who is Trent William Millsap, suspect in NASCAR star Bobby East’s stabbing?

American race car driver Todd Bodine paid tribute to East, calling him ‘one heck of a wheelman’. 

“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,”Bodine tweeted. 

Bobby East was a three-time US Auto Club (USAC) winner. The son of USAC Hall of Fame car builder Bob East, the 37-year-old won the SAC Silver Crown championships in 2012 and 2013. 

Also read: Bobby East dead: Tributes pour in for the NASCAR star

Bobby East’s real name was Robert. He was born on December 17, 1984, in Torrance, California. He raced professionally in NASCAR, USAC, and ARCA.

East burst to the scene in 2001 when he won the USAC National Midgets. He became the youngest winner ever at the time at the age of 16 and was awarded the USAC’s Rookie of the Year.

Also read: Bobby East, NASCAR star, killed in California stabbing attack

Between 2005 and 2008, he competed in 42 NASCAR national competitions. He went on to win several championships, including three USAC national driving titles and the SAC Silver Crown championships in 2012 and 2013.