A medical examiner has reportedly confirmed that a man who died in the infield during the NRA 500 at Texas Motor Speedway had shot himself in the head. Yes, you did read that first part correctly, that the race was sponsored by the NRA.
According to the AP, the Tarrant County (Texas) medical examiner’s office on Sunday said the death of 42-year-old Kirk Franklin of Saginaw, Texas, was a suicide.
Fort Worth police have said a man who was camping in the infield died of a “self-inflicted injury” after getting into an argument with other campers. The incident happened late in the Sprint Cup race.
Police spokeswoman Cpl. Tracey Knight has said alcohol may have been a factor. Knight said several people witnessed the incident, but nobody was in danger.
Track spokesman Mike Zizzo say the death occurred “in or around a pickup truck” in part of the infield near the middle of the backstretch.
The NRA or NASCAR has yet to release a statement though the NRA’s sponsorship of the race had drawn scrutiny this week. It should be noted that firearms were not allowed by Texas law from being brought in to the track by fans.
[AP]
