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Thursday, November 12, 2026Nov 12

Ex-NASCAR star Robby Gordon tries to handle parents’ death

Former NASCAR racer Robby Gordon pauses while making a statement to members of the media gathered outside his home in Orange, Calif., on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016. Gordon said his family is in shock and grieving the loss of his father and stepmother, who were found dead inside their Southern California home.  (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Former NASCAR racer Robby Gordon pauses while making a statement to members of the media gathered outside his home in Orange, Calif., on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016. Gordon said his family is in shock and grieving the loss of his father and stepmother, who were found dead inside their Southern California home. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) Former NASCAR racer Robby Gordon pauses while making a statement to members of the media gathered outside his home in Orange, Calif., on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016. Gordon said his family is in shock and grieving the loss of his father and stepmother, who were found dead inside their Southern California home. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

ORANGE, Calif. (AP) – Robby Gordon stood outside the Southern California home where his father and stepmother were found dead a day earlier. The man who had faced fear and danger in hundreds of elite auto races had to take a deep breath to hold back tears.

“I’m so sad, and I can’t believe it,” the former NASCAR star said Thursday. “I grew up on this property my whole life. I learned everything about motorsports out of this little tiny barn over here.”

Soon after, police announced how they believe the two died: Robert Gordon, 68, strangled his wife, 57-year-old Sharon Gordon then fatally shot himself, Orange police Lt. Fred Lopez said. No further details on the motive or circumstances were released.

Robby Gordon, 47, said he would speak about the deaths in more detail once authorities conclude their investigation.

“The truth will come out, what went down there,” he said.