Donnie Ray Crawford III Killed by Grandfather in Family Disturbance
Green Country racer Donnie Ray Crawford III, 24, was killed on Saturday following a dispute with his grandfather Daniel Garcia, according to a report from News On 6 in Oklahoma. He was killed after being shot just before a Chili Bowl race in Wagner County.
"The Crawfords had been spending the week participating in the Chili Bowl races. Colbert said the family was just about to leave for the races when 74-year-old Daniel Garcia suddenly started shooting at his grandson, 24-year-old Donnie Ray.
The sheriff says that's when Garcia's daughter Jodie Crawford stepped in to protect Donnie Ray, her son.
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At some point, the sheriff says Donnie Crawford stepped in to help his wife Jodie stop the fight and protect their son.
Despite their efforts, the OU student and respected racer died at the hands of his grandfather.
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The report says that Garcia has a history of violence. He spent 10 months in prison back in 2004 after being convicted of assault with a deadly weapon.
Crawford has built a reputation as one of the best drivers in the sport, and has been revered for his warm, welcoming personality.
In 2008, he saved a fellow driver whose car had caught fire following an accident.
Your heart just goes out to Crawford and his family at this most difficult time. There is enough violence in the world as it is, but to read that his own grandfather took his life was the one who pulled the trigger somehow makes it worse.
He was just 24 years old and had his whole life in front of him. Now he will never get the chance to do everything that he wanted to do because his grandfather apparently has a bad temper.
