Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR Cup champion and revered figure in American sports, has broken his silence following a devastating family tragedy on June 26.
For the first time, Johnson publicly shared his pain and heartbreak over an incident that left three of his family members dead.
In a quiet town in Oklahoma, an ordinary June day turned into a nightmare when a woman dialed 911 to report a sighting of a person with a firearm in the Johnson family home. The call led police to a scene of horror. They discovered a body in the hallway by the front door, and a gunshot echoed within the house as they were investigating. Two more bodies were found inside, rounding out a grim picture of a suspected murder-suicide.
Among the deceased were Johnson’s 11-year-old nephew, Dalton, and his wife, Chandra’s, parents – Jack and Terry Lynn Janway. Terry Lynn is the prime suspect in the murder-suicide, believed to have shot her husband and grandson before ending her own life.
The impact of the event has been seismic for the Johnson family. Jimmie, who has been married to Chandra since 2004, and their two daughters, Genevieve and Lydia, have been rocked to their core.
The usually private racing superstar took to Instagram to share his anguish and to thank everyone who has extended their love and support. In a show of strength and compassion, he also made sure to remember Terry Lynn in his heartfelt message, despite the allegations leveled against her.