Man Shoots Himself In The Head At NRA 500

Yesterday during the National Rifle Association-sponsored NRA 500 at the Texas Motor Speedway, it was reported that a man died in the infield. Today, the medical examiner has determined the cause of death to be suicide. Kirk Franklin, 42, of Saginaw, Texas, shot himself in the head. The Associated Press (via USA Today) with more:

Fort Worth police have said a man who was camping in the infield died of a "self-inflicted injury" after getting into an argument with other campers. The incident happened late in the Sprint Cup race.

Police spokeswoman Cpl. Tracey Knight has said alcohol may have been a factor. Knight said several people witnessed the incident, but nobody was in danger.

Track spokesman Mike Zizzo say the death occurred "in or around a pickup truck" in part of the infield near the middle of the backstretch.

The National Rifle Association has yet to issue a statement on the Franklin's death, though the incident will likely further stoke the country's already-contentious gun debate.

[ USA Today]

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