Jimmie Johnson's Tragic Personal Loss Shakes NASCAR Community: The Heartbreaking Story Revealed

Jimmie Johnson Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup for Fox

Jimmie Johnson will not be participating in NASCAR's upcoming Cup Series race due to a tragic incident involving the loss of his in-laws and nephew in an apparent murder-suicide. Johnson's team, Legacy Motor Club, has announced the withdrawal of the No. 84 Carvana Chevrolet from the event in Chicago. The Johnson family has requested privacy during this difficult time and will not be making any additional statements.

Johnson, aged 47, had been scheduled to participate in NASCAR's inaugural street race in the Cup Series on Sunday, July 2nd.

Tragically, earlier this week, the parents of Johnson's wife, Chandra Janway, namely Terry and Jack Janway, were discovered deceased at their Oklahoma residence. Additionally, Johnson's 11-year-old nephew, Dalton, was found dead at the scene. On Monday, June 26th, a shooting occurred, resulting in the fatal loss of Terry, Jack, and Dalton. The Muskogee Police Department has stated that the investigation into their deaths is currently focused on a possible murder-suicide.

Courtesy of Jimmie Johnson/Instagram

Police were summoned to the Janway residence following an abrupt 911 call from an unidentified woman who mentioned the presence of a firearm before abruptly ending the call. A statement from the police indicated that upon reaching the scene, officers noticed an individual lying in the hallway near the front entrance. Moments later, another gunshot was heard emanating from deeper within the house. Immediate action was taken by the officers to rescue the individual in the hallway, but regrettably, it was determined that the person had succumbed to their injuries.

Additional officers arrived at the scene and performed a thorough search, discovering two additional individuals who were found deceased inside the residence. The individuals, Terry and Jack, were 68 and 69 years old, respectively.

While Johnson and his 44-year-old wife have not made any public statements regarding the tragedy, NASCAR responded to the incident by releasing a statement on Tuesday. "We express our deep sadness regarding the tragic deaths of Chandra Johnson's family members," the organization stated. "During this challenging time, the entire NASCAR community offers our heartfelt support and condolences to Chandra, Jimmie, and both the Johnson and Janway families."

Johnson and Chandra got married in December 2004, thanks to an introduction by fellow NASCAR star Jeff Gordon, two years prior. They have two daughters together, Genevieve, aged 12, and Lydia, aged 9.

Before the deaths of Terry, Jack, and Dalton, the Janway family had already experienced a tragedy. Chandra's brother, Jordan Janway, passed away at the age of 27 in a skydiving accident nearly a decade earlier. In early 2014, Jordan collided with another skydiver while midair, resulting in him losing consciousness and being unable to deploy his parachute. Jordan was Dalton's uncle, as mentioned in his obituary.

"Jordan, an exceptional son, brother, uncle, and friend, will forever remain in our hearts," Johnson and Chandra expressed in a statement. "Please remember the Janway family and keep them in your thoughts and prayers."

If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress or contemplating suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.