NASCAR’s Jason Leffler Dead After Crash

NASCAR driver Jason Leffler has died after an accident Wednesday night in a heat race at a dirt car event at Bridgeport Speedway.

37 year old Leffler, a two-time winner on the NASCAR Nationwide Series who had the nickname "LefTurn"  was running second when he crashed into a wall and flipped several times. Leffler was airlifted to Crozer-Chester Medical Center in nearby Chester, Pennsylvania, where he was pronounced dead at 9 pm according to the New Jersey State Police.

A statement from NASCAR said the sanctioning body "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."

"We are very saddened at the passing of Jason Leffler," Indianapolis Motor Speedway chief operating officer Doug Boles said in a statement. "He was one of the most versatile race drivers in America, showing his talent by competing in the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400. Jason was a terrific guy who always had time for everyone. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his entire family, team and fans."

Leffler is survived by his 5-year-old son, Charlie Dean.

Source: ESPN, USA Today