NASCAR driver James Hylton and James 'Tweety' Hylton Jr. die in highway accident

Former NASCAR star James Hylton and his son, James ‘Tweety’ Hylton Jr. have been killed in a highway accident while returned home from an Automobile Racing Club of America event.

Franklin County Deputy Coroner Clayton Bryant confirmed the heartbreaking news to PEOPLE.

Both Hylton Sr., 83, and Hylton Jr., 61, were pronounced dead on the scene, Franklin Country Deputy Coroner Clayton Bryant confirmed.

Speaking with The Roanoke Times, Hylton Sr.’s ex-wife, Evelyn Hylton, discussed the former couple’s only son.

‘He was very pure. He didn’t smoke or drink or anything else,’ she said. ‘He was a very good person. Everybody loved him.’

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Twitter has flooded with tributes to the pair.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Hylton family on the tragic loss of James Hylton and his son James Jr.

More: https://t.co/cE3FMjPspW pic.twitter.com/GVceKyN6MA
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 28, 2018

Thoughts and prayers out to Hylton family and friends. James was a legend. He enjoyed his time in stock car racing and saw the sport evolve and grow over the many decades that he was involved. https://t.co/qnDQxfc31J
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) April 28, 2018

I’m thinking of the friends and family of James Hylton. James was a true racer and loved this sport so much. It was an honor to meet him a few times over the years, he will be missed. pic.twitter.com/JoG8USwQ1c
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) April 29, 2018

Deeply Saddened by the Loss of James Hylton & James Hylton jr. pic.twitter.com/kdlvKJHuSi
— Ricky Craven (@RickyCraven32) April 29, 2018

Our thoughts are with the Hylton family at this difficult time.

This article originally appeared on New Idea.

Grace Back

Grace is the Digital Content Editor at New Idea. Grace is a lifestyle junkie who has previously interned at Dolly, Stellar and marie claire, as well having written in the fashion and beauty sections at Finder.com.au. When not working, you can find Grace heading for the slopes, playing with her pup or stuck in a seemingly endless Instagram scroll.

NASCAR driver James Hylton and son die after their truck crashes

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