Steve Byrnes, the longtime popular FOX Sports NASCAR broadcaster whose fight against cancer drew support from the entire auto racing community, has died.
He was just 56 years old.
Byrnes passed away just two days after the NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway, which was named the "Food City 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes."
Though he was unable to attend, Byrnes watched it on TV and tweeted a response to a race fan who asked if he made it through the entire rainy event.
"I went the distance," Byrnes tweeted.
President Obama, who honored Sprint Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick at the White House on Tuesday, saluted the "legendary reporter and broadcaster."
"I know a lot of fans’ thoughts and prayers today are with his wife, Karen, and his son, Bryson," Obama said in a tribute just hours after Steve passed.
NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France said Byrnes’ "work ethic and authenticity made him a beloved individual inside and outside the garage."
"His level of professionalism was matched only by the warmth he showed everyone he met," France said. "He battled cancer with tenacity, and was a true inspiration."
"Simply stated, we’ll miss Steve dearly."
Reaction poured in from around the NASCAR world, as many drivers knew Byrnes from his 30 years in the sport, including as a reporter for FOX since 2001.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. tweeted:
"My hope is Steve was able to see how much he was loved and appreciated by so many. Rest easy friend. Prayers to his family. #ByrnesStrong"
"So hard to hold back the tears and emotion," tweeted Elliott Sadler. "You were such a great man and amazing father. Fun co-worker and the best friend."
Byrnes was almost always seen with a smile on his face, and kept up a relentlessly positive attitude even throughout his perilous cancer fight.
He often shared insights into his battle via social media, inspiring a legion of #ByrnesStrong supporters who tweeted their encouragement to him.
He usually responded, always grateful and appreciative of the well wishes. Even when he learned his cancer had spread, he refused to give up hope.
During Sunday’s race, crewmen from every team stood on the pit wall with signs from the Stand Up To Cancer organization that read "I stand up for Steve."
"Thanks to all for a remarkable day, my teammates @NASCARONFOX," Byrnes tweeted Sunday in response. "Miss you all. Thanks for your love."
The heartbreaking news came just two days later. R.I.P.