14 DAY TRIAL // Jason Leffler, a versatile and very popular NASCAR driver, has died after crashing into a wall during a 410 sprint car race at Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey, USA Today Sports reports.
Leffler was 37 years old and is survived by a 5-year-old son.
Police say for the aforementioned publication that Leffler was in the second position when he crashed into the wall, after which “it was flopping all over.”
He was extricated from the vehicle and rushed to the hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Photos of the wreckage available online show the extent of the damage caused by the powerful impact: the car is almost a compact, undistinguishable mass.
“[NASCAR] extends its thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the family of Jason Leffler who passed away earlier this evening. For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed,” NASCAR says in a statement.