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NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson has revealed the ‘incredible difficult time’ that his family has been going through, seven months since his in-laws and nephew were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide. 

The 48-year-old, seven-time Cup series champion lost three relatives – his wife Chandra Janway’s parents, Jack and Terry Lynn Janway, 69 and 68 respectively, and his nephew Dalton, 11, in an Oklahoma shooting in June 2023. 

The Muskogee Police Department reported at the time that a female caller notified officers of a disturbance and that a gun was involved. When police arrived on the scene, they found one person near the front door of the home and then heard a gunshot from further inside, where officers later found two of the three dead. 

At the time of the shooting, Terry Lynn was thought to be the primary suspect and police were investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide. As of July 2023, there have been no public updates. 

Now, Johnson shared an update about his family to NBC’S TODAY Show for the first time since last year’s tragedy occurred. 

Jimmie Johnson thanked family, friends and fans for their support on NBC’s Today Show, seven months on from in an apparent murder-suicide in his wife’s family 

At the time, police believed Johnson’s mother-in-law Terry Janway, 68, shot and killed her husband, Jack, 69, and their grandson, Dalton, 11, at the family’s Oklahoma home in Muskogee 

Johnson and his wife Chandra – a former model – have rarely commented on the family tragedy

‘First and foremost, thank you for the support,’ he said, at first. ‘Friends and family, fans far and wide have been extremely supportive, and that’s helped us through this incredibly difficult time. 

‘We’re managing the best we can, and that’s really all you can do, so thank you for the support and the continued support.’

Johnson’s comments come after he announced the remainder of his 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, also during his appearance on NBC, Tuesday. 

The El Cajon, California native is also set to be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday. 

‘I knew the day was coming, and I’m very grateful for the success I’ve had in the car, but it’s been so fun to lean into this experience and to share this moment with so many that helped me get here,’ he said. 

He will then return to racing in the 2024 Daytona 500 on February 18, Legacy Motor Club announced on Tuesday. 

The Janway’s home in Muskogee, Oklahoma, seen in June 2023, days after the murder-suicide

Jimmie and Chandra married back in ’04 and share two daughters, Lydia, 9, and Genevieve, 12

‘I’m so proud to represent Carvana for a second NASCAR season, and our fourth season overall as partners, at some of my favorite races,’ Johnson said in a statement, per Forbes. 

‘Carvana is a fun brand that captures the joy of cars and racing and they do a great job leveraging their partnership with Legacy M.C. I’m excited to have a shot at another Daytona 500 trophy in our new Toyota Camry XSE’s and the paint scheme is sure to be a fan favorite.’ 

Johnson and Chandra – a former model – tied the knot in 2004, and share two girls together – Lydia, 9, and Genevieve, 12. Johnson often shares photos of family time spent together on Instagram attending sports events or going on vacation.

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