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Sport2 min(s) read
Published 15:34 04 Oct 2021 GMT
Former NASCAR driver John Wes Townley has died after being killed in a shooting in Athens, Georgia.
The race car driver and a 30-year-old woman were shot just before 9 PM on Saturday, October 2. He was 31.
Per Athens Banner-Herald, Townley died after he was transported to a local hospital while the woman's injuries are described by police as "serious."
It was unclear what, if any, type of relationship existed between Townley and the woman, CBS Sports reports.
Athens Banner-Herald reports that the suspect, a 32-year-old man, "was known to the victim and currently there are no charges against him, Barnett said. Police have had contact with the shooter."
It's reported that the investigation is ongoing, and according to preliminary information, appears related to domestic violence.
The suspect has not yet been charged.
Townley competed in 76 NASCAR races from 2008 to 2016, mainly in the Truck Series. His sole victory came in 2015 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, according to Motorsport.com.
Upon retiring at the end of the 2016 season, Townley was credited with one victory, five top 5s, 24 top 10s, and two poles in 110 starts.
He also made 76 career starts in the Xfinity Series with a best finish of 13th on multiple occasions.
In addition to his NASCAR pedigree, Townley also a victory at the Daytona International Speedway, winning at the speedway twice in the ARCA Menards Series.
What's more, he won the ARCA race at Daytona in 2013 for his first career win, and then did so again in 2016.