# **Tragedy Strikes: NASCAR Driver Bubba Wallace’s Close Friend Found Dead Today in Charlotte Apartment**
**By Matthew Langston | Racing Daily Wire | May 8, 2025**
**Charlotte, NC —** NASCAR driver **Bubba Wallace** is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of one of his closest friends, **Tyler Green**, who was found **dead** earlier today in his Charlotte apartment under circumstances that are still being investigated.
According to the **Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department**, officers responded to a welfare check at an upscale apartment complex in the **South End** district around **9:20 a.m.** this morning after neighbors reported a “strong odor” and uncollected mail. Upon entry, they discovered the body of **29-year-old Tyler Green**, longtime friend and former spotter to Wallace, **unresponsive** on the living room floor.
Emergency medical responders confirmed Green was **deceased at the scene**, and early indications suggest the cause of death may be related to a **medical emergency or accidental overdose**, although no official cause has yet been released.
“We are treating this as an **unattended death** and are awaiting the results of a toxicology report,” said CMPD spokesperson Lt. Dana Ricks during a mid-afternoon press briefing. “There were no immediate signs of foul play or forced entry.”
### A Deep Friendship in the Racing World
Tyler Green had worked as a spotter in the NASCAR Cup Series from 2019 to 2023 and was known across the garage as an energetic, loyal figure with an infectious laugh. His connection to Bubba Wallace ran deeper than the racetrack. The two met nearly a decade ago in the Xfinity Series and became nearly inseparable ever since.
“They were more like brothers than friends,” said Wallace’s team publicist, Jenna Marks. “Tyler was in Bubba’s wedding. He was at every race, every cookout, every milestone. This is a devastating loss.”
Wallace, currently preparing for this weekend’s race at **Darlington Raceway**, has not released a formal statement but did post a brief, emotional message on X (formerly Twitter):
> “I’m shattered. I don’t have the words. Rest easy, my brother. I love you forever.”
According to multiple sources, Wallace has left Darlington and returned to Charlotte to be with Green’s family and mutual friends. It remains unclear if he will participate in Sunday’s race.
### Tributes Pour In From NASCAR Community
The news of Green’s sudden death has rocked the NASCAR community, with drivers, team members, and fans expressing shock and sadness over social media.
**Denny Hamlin**, Wallace’s team owner at 23XI Racing, posted:
> “This sport is a family. And today, we lost one of our own. Tyler was a great soul and a friend to many. Our hearts are with Bubba and everyone hurting right now.”
**Chase Elliott** added:
> “Life is fragile. This hurts. Thinking about Bubba and Tyler’s family tonight.”
Even **NASCAR**’s official account released a statement:
> “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tyler Green, a respected and loved member of our NASCAR family. Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him.”
### What We Know So Far
Police have ruled out immediate signs of foul play but are not yet releasing further details. A source close to the investigation told **Racing Daily Wire** that prescription medications were found at the scene, but it is not yet clear whether they played a role in Green’s death.
The **Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner** will conduct a full autopsy, with results expected in 7–10 days. The apartment has been sealed pending the completion of that examination.
Green had reportedly been living alone since 2024, following a quiet retirement from full-time spotting due to burnout and health issues. Friends say he had struggled with anxiety and depression, especially during the 2023 season.
“He was open about his mental health, and we loved him for that,” said fellow spotter Curtis Garrison. “But I wish he had reached out this time.”
### A Familiar Face Behind the Wall
To fans, Tyler Green may not have been a household name, but within NASCAR, he was a well-known and respected voice. As a spotter, he worked races from atop the grandstands, guiding drivers through traffic, crashes, and victory lanes.
“He had Bubba’s back—always,” said one crew member. “You’d hear them on the radio joking during practice, then dead serious on race day. That bond was real.”
Green was also known for his involvement in Bubba’s off-track advocacy work. The two co-founded a small nonprofit in 2021 aimed at supporting mental health resources for young athletes and aspiring drivers from underrepresented backgrounds.
“He didn’t just talk about change—he lived it,” said sports reporter Kelley Stone. “He never wanted the spotlight, but his fingerprints are all over Bubba’s journey.”
### Looking Ahead
While the NASCAR world continues to reel from the loss, grief counselors have been made available to drivers and staff in the garage area, especially within the **23XI Racing** organization.
At the time of this writing, it is unknown whether Wallace will race this weekend. Team sources say the final decision will be his.
A vigil is being organized for Friday evening outside the 23XI Racing headquarters in Mooresville, NC. Fans have already begun placing flowers, candles, and notes outside the team’s Charlotte garage.
Tyler Green is survived by his mother, Dana, and younger sister, Rachel. Funeral arrangements are pending…
