Jimmie Johnson, seven-time NASCAR Cup champion and popular icon in American sports, has broken his silence following a devastating tragedy involving his wife’s family  on June 26.

For the first time, Johnson publicly conveyed his distress and heartbreak over an incident that resulted in the loss of three of his wife’s family members.

In Oklahoma, a regular day in June turned into a nightmare when a woman phoned 911 to report a sighting of a person with a firearm in the Janway family home. The call brought authorities to a dreadful scene. They discovered a body in the hallway by the front door, and a gunshot resounded within the house as they were examining the situation. Two more bodies were found inside, painting a grim picture of a suspected murder-suicide.

Among the deceased were Johnson’s 11-year-old nephew, Dalton, and his in-laws, Jack and Terry Lynn Janway, the parents of his wife Chandra. Terry Lynn is the primary suspect in the murder-suicide, believed to have shot her husband and grandson before ending her own life.

The incident has had a profound impact on the Johnson family. Jimmie, who has been married to Chandra since 2004, and their two daughters, Genevieve and Lydia, have been deeply affected.

The usually private racing champion took to Instagram to share his sorrow and to thank everyone who has shown their love and support. In a demonstration of fortitude and sympathy, he also made a point to remember Terry Lynn in his heartfelt message, despite the allegations against her.