Former NASCAR driver Eric McClure has died at age 42.
His death was confirmed by NASCAR on Sunday.
"We are saddened to learn of the passing of former driver and (team) owner Eric McClure. NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Eric’s family and friends," NASCAR said in a statement, according to The Associated Press.
McClure's family also announced the news in a statement.
"The family of Eric Wayne McClure, former NASCAR driver, announces with great sorrow his passing on Sunday," the statement read. "They would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this very difficult time."
McClure's NASCAR career spanned more than 13 years. He made his debut in 2003 and went on to race in 288 races over 14 seasons, according to Yahoo! Sports.
In 2004, he made his first of three consecutive Cup Series starts, finished in 26th, and in 2013 he finished up in eighth position at the season-opening race at Daytona. A year prior McClure suffered a massive concussion in a crash in Talladega and was forced to miss six races. He later told the website Frontstretch that the incident had changed him.
"I’m not the same person I was at certain aspects, not just the arthritis but just some things are different," he said.
"I’ve noticed, as a result of that accident, I can’t ride roller-coasters," he added. "I’ve tried to stand the test of time. I used to own the Goofy roller-coaster and even now I can’t do that."
McClure raced his final race in 2016 at the season-opening Xfinity Series race at Daytona. Two years later he was arrested for domestic abuse. Police responded to a call placed by one of his daughters and, upon arrival at the scene, were told by his wife that McClure had choked and hit her in front of their kids.
He was convicted on a charge of misdemeanor domestic violence, to which he pleaded no contest, and was ultimately ordered to complete 12 months of probation and undergo a mental health assessment.
The following year McClure's health took a turn for the worse when he announced that he was being treated for kidney failure.
"A doctor told me that I had rhabdomyolysis. That put me on compartment syndrome and full kidney failure," McClure said, according to Bristol Herald Courier.
McClure recalled how he was put into dialysis immediately, which ultimately saved him, but at the time the outlook seemed grim.
"I jokingly asked the doctor to not let me die. He very seriously told me that he would try," he added. "He also told me that I needed to get my affairs in order and that the weekend would be critical."
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