The name Cale Yarborough resonates with speed, triumph, and the roaring cheers of NASCAR fans. Yet, behind the victories and the laps of glory, there lay a silent battle that few knew about. Recently, Yarborough passed away at the age of 84. In this article, we explore his illness and the legacy he left behind in the world of NASCAR and beyond.
Cale Yarborough Illness
Cale Yarborough passed away on December 31, 2023, at the age of 84, after an extended illness. He died surrounded by his loving family at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina.
Bob Pockrass said,
“NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough, who won three consecutive Cup championships from 1976-78 and is tied for sixth all-time with 83 career wins, has died at age 84. RIP to one of the sport’s greatest drivers.”
NASCAR Hall of Famer Cale Yarborough, who won three consecutive Cup championships from 1976-78 and is tied for sixth all-time with 83 career wins, has died at age 84. RIP to one of the sport’s greatest drivers.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 31, 2023
In the months leading up to his passing, Yarborough was battling a rare, incurable genetic disorder affecting his SPG 7 gene. This condition led to a steady decline in his health.
Kelley Yarborough Woody wrote,
“Update on Daddy: Genetic testing results give us a diagnosis. He has a VERY, VERY rare genetic disorder on his SPG 7 gene. There is no cure. He will continue to decline. However, medications, physical and occupational therapy are keys o treating symptoms. It is one of those ‘it is what it is’ situations. Thank you all for caring about him. Please continue to keep him and my mother in your prayers.”
Latest Update on Cale Yarborough from his daughter pic.twitter.com/18VLQWTsUb
— Johnny Dickson (@dickson_johnny) July 6, 2023
Despite the absence of a cure, his family indicated that medications physical, and occupational therapy were crucial in managing the symptoms of this disorder. The Yarborough family shared their struggles and asked for continued prayers during this challenging period.
If you want to know about the health of other stars, then you can check out our below posts:
- Paul Michael Glaser Illness: Is He Suffering From Any Disease?
- Kevin Mcalpine Illness: Did He Have Any Disease Before His Death?
Cale Yarborough Legacy
Yarborough had a great NASCAR career. He started racing in NASCAR in 1957 and finished 42nd in his first race, the Southern 500. He won his first race in 1965 in Valdosta, Georgia.
He was the first driver to win three championships in a row from 1976 to 1978. He won the Cup Series three times, the Daytona 500 four times, and the Southern 500 five times.
Apart from his racing success, his family remembers him as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. NASCAR fans are sad about the passing of a man who was a big deal in the sport.
He was loved as both a family member and a respected person. People will always remember and honor his impact on NASCAR and how much he meant to the fans.
For more information related to other stars’ life, including their illness, health-related surgeries, and more updates, you can follow our Twitter account.