NASCAR driver James Hylton and son die after their truck crashes

So heartbreaking. - by Grace Back

Former NASCAR star James Hylton and his son, James 'Tweety' Hylton Jr. have been killed in a highway acdent 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.'

Twitter has flooded with tributes to the pair.

NASCAR on Twitter

Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Twitter

Jimmie Johnson on Twitter

Ricky Craven on Twitter

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

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.

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