Dick Trickle: Did He Commit Suicide Because Of Tragic Illness?

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Dick tragically took his own life at the age of 71, and a new report claims that the NASCAR driver was allegedly battling an illness and depression.

On May 16, Dick Trickle, 71, was found dead at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Lincoln County, North Carolina from an apparent suicide. The death appeared to be caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Dick Trickle Suicide: Did He Kill Himself Because Of Tragic Illness?

Multiple sources claim that Dick had been depressed and sick for some time before his death, TMZ reports. The health condition that Dick suffered from is unknown at this time.

Dick Trickle Found Dead At 71

According to the North Carolina Police Department, Dick shot himself around 12 p.m. on May 16. Emergency responders received a call before Dick’s death, claiming that there would be a dead body in the cemetery, and it would be Dick’s.

Responders tried to desperately to make a return call, but they were unsuccessful. Emergency responders found Dick’s body near his pick up truck. His body was taken from the cemetery and transported to a nearby hospital. The NASCAR driver left a suicide note on the scene, according to TMZ.

NASCAR Releases A Statement About Dick Trickle’s Death

During his racing career, Dick competed in more than 2000 estimated races. Throughout his career, he logged one million laps and won near 1,000 feature races. He’s also credited as the winningest short track driver in history.

After Dick’s death, NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France released a statement about his death:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Dick Trickle on his passing today. Dick was a legend in the short-track racing community, particularly in his home state of Wisconsin, and he was a true fan favorite. Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport. He will be missed.

WATCH: 2012 Dick Trickle 99 – Segment 3

TMZ

– Jenny Pickard

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His parents were mean to name him that!!!!

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His parents more than likely named him Richard and Dick is just a nickname…get real

His granddaughter is buried in that cemetary

I grew up going to Dick Trickle races in Wisconsin when I was a teen in the 70′s and on up thru the years. What a bummer. I hope they eventually release the contents of his ‘suicide letter’..so we can understand why he was driven to do such a selfish thing. I hope his wife is o.k.

Reblogged this on Welcome To My World (My Life My Way ツ. My Destiny).

yes when a life is lost it’s tragic. But I have a REALLY hard time with suicide. He gets to move on while hos loved ones suffer. So dang selfish!

You have no right to call him selfish without knowing his most inner thoughts and pain. I know first hand what suicide can do to family and loved ones. Not knowing is the worst part but it is the only part that makes you able to forgive the person for leaving you behind because you don’t know what drove them to that point you only know it must have been very painful for them to feel there was no other answer. So please don’t be so quick to judge

Thank you Linda.

God save me I do not want to be a hor I want to work. Please pray for me I want to live long and make some friends. God save me and God bless the U.S.A. Sorry the man commited suicide.

I really don’t blame him. I’d rather die than have to go through a serious illness that you will ultimately succumb to. RIP Mr. Trickle.

RIP Dick! What illness did he suffer from? Does anyone know?

possible depression, or selfishness…

I’m with you. What I think is selfish are these people who don’t walk in his shoes telling him what he should have been doing. For all they know he said goodbye and only had days to live