His devastated partner informed him that a drag racer featured on a popular reality TV show had tragically died in a severe car accident.
Nathan Schaldach, known as Cali Nate on Discovery’s Street Outlaws, crashed on Saturday night in southwest Texas.
In a heartbreaking Facebook post, his girlfriend Courtney Paulshock confirmed his death and described him as her “soul mate.”
“I feel shattered,” she wrote on Sunday. “I’m in complete disbelief.”
According to Paulshock, the incident occurred during a race at Eagle Pass, approximately two hours west of San Antonio.
Despite efforts to rush him to the hospital, his friends were unable to save his life.
Paulshock declined to provide further details about the cause of the crash or the events leading up to it.
“He was so happy to see his mom and sister again,” his girlfriend commented.
“Outside, he pursued his passions.”
Schaldach appeared in the fourth season of Street Outlaws: Fastest in America, a show that followed eight drag racing teams competing for a $100,000 prize.
His season concluded in May of last year.
The original Street Outlaws, which depicted street racers risking their lives for competition, inspired the current series.
Drag racing involves two cars racing on a short, straight track to a finish line.
Due to its high risk, street racing is illegal in most places, unlike professional sports which are generally safer.
During filming for Street Outlaws in 2022, Ryan Fellows, another show participant, tragically lost his life in a car accident. Schaldach’s passing followed.
The driver’s vehicle overturned and caught fire during a race in Las Vegas. The network expressed deep sorrow over the loss, according to a Discovery spokesperson.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Texas authorities for more information on Nate’s accident.
Schaldach’s friends and supporters mourned his unexpected death online, expressing condolences.
“After hearing the devastating news, I couldn’t sleep,” said Chris Frank, a friend of Schaldach’s, in a Facebook video.
“Those who raced against him feared him, and those who knew him loved him,” Frank added.
“We all understand that any ride could be our last, and every race carries risks.”
“Nate was one of the few true racers who truly loved and understood the sport.”
In one of his final poignant messages, Schaldach promised Paulshock everlasting love.
“Garth told me to say I love you very much just in case tomorrow never comes,” he texted her. This race marked his final competition ever.
“Please wake me up from this nightmare,” Paulshock added, sharing a screenshot of their text exchange.
Later that day, she also posted Lady Gaga’s song “I’ll Never Love Again” from the film A Star Is Born.
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