Ryan Shea, car chief for the Chip Ganassi Racing No. 42 Chevrolet in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, died Wednesday night at his home in Troutman, North Carolina, according to the team. He was 34.
“It is a sad day for our team as we mourn the untimely loss of Ryan,” team owner Chip Ganassi said in a team release. “Ryan was a dedicated worker and a great friend to those on our team, as well as others in the garage. Our hearts go out to Ryan’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Shea had previously worked at Michael Waltrip Racing before joining CGR in 2015. Kyle Larson and Justin Marks have been behind the wheel of the No. 42 this season.
My thoughts on the passing of Ryan Shea: pic.twitter.com/XzKUBibck1
— Justin Marks (@JMarksDE) March 31, 2016
“Ryan was a tremendous asset to Chip Ganassi Racing and the No. 42 team and will be sorely missed,” said crew chief Mike Shiplett. “My thoughts go out to his wife, children, family and friends in this time of mourning.”
Chip Ganassi Racing will communicate further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorials as they become available.
A GoFundMe page has been established to take donations for Ryan’s family — go here to see it. Also, CGR cars will have a special decal on their Chevrolets this weekend.
The NASCAR community collectively offered its condolences to the team and the Shea family on Twitter:
Just heard the news of Ryan Shea passing away in his sleep. A great person and great worker in the industry.. Prayers with his wife & kids����
— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) March 31, 2016
Ryan Shea will be greatly missed by this community. He is a model to follow in this sport. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) March 31, 2016
Wow shocked to hear about the passing of Ryan Shea. He was my car chief in 2006. Thoughts and prayers to Cory and the Shea family.
— Kevin Conway (@TheKevinConway) March 31, 2016
Very sad day @CGRnascar as we lost one of our teammates far too soon. Keep Ryan’s family in prayers #RIPRyanShea https://t.co/lwHv4UwIUl
— Steve Lauletta (@slauletta) March 31, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to Ryan Shea and his family
— Jeff Burton (@JeffBurton) March 31, 2016
It takes days like today to remember just how fragile life is. Shea was a great teammate and he is already deeply missed.
— Ashley Parlett (@Just_AP) March 31, 2016
Thoughts and Prayers for Ryan Shea, his wife and kids! Such sad news.
— Chris Osborne (@crazy_spotter) March 31, 2016