A heartbreaking turn of events has struck the world of drag racing. On Saturday night in southwest Texas, Nathan Schaldach, known to fans as Cali Nate from the popular Discovery series Street Outlaws, tragically lost his life in a car accident.
Schaldach’s girlfriend, Courtney Paulshock, confirmed the devastating news on Facebook, calling him her “soul mate.” In her heartfelt post, she expressed her profound grief and disbelief, writing, “I’m completely shocked. I feel like my heart is breaking.”
The Fatal Accident
The accident occurred while Schaldach was racing at Eagle Pass, approximately two hours west of San Antonio. Despite the efforts of his friends to rush him to the hospital, they were unable to save him.
Paulshock, while sharing her sorrow, chose not to disclose further details about the crash or the events leading up to it. She did, however, highlight how happy Schaldach had been to reconnect with his mother and sister. “Seeing his mom and sister again made him so happy,” she said. “To know the kind of love that Nathan gave me and showed me on a daily basis was a true blessing.”
A Star of Street Outlaws
Schaldach appeared in the fourth season of Street Outlaws: Fastest in America, a show that features eight drag racing teams competing for a $100,000 prize. The series, an offshoot of the original Street Outlaws, showcased intense street races where drivers put everything on the line.
The Risks of Drag Racing
Drag racing, where two cars race on a short, straight track, carries significant risks. While professional races have strict safety protocols, the inherent dangers of street racing have led to its prohibition in many areas. In 2022, Ryan Fellows, another star of Street Outlaws, also died in a car accident during filming, underscoring the perilous nature of the sport.
Community Mourns
Following Schaldach’s untimely death, friends and fans poured out their condolences and shared their grief online. Chris Frank, a friend of Schaldach’s, shared his sorrow in a Facebook video, saying, “Those of you who raced him feared him, and those of you who were friends with him loved him.” He also acknowledged the ever-present danger in their sport, stating, “We all know that every ride might be our last, and every race is dangerous. Nate was one of the last genuine racers with a true love and understanding for the sport.”
A Lasting Love
In her final messages to Schaldach, Paulshock promised to love him forever. She shared a poignant text exchange where Schaldach quoted a Garth Brooks song, saying, “I love you very much just in case tomorrow never comes.” His last race would indeed be his final one. Later, Paulshock posted the song “I’ll Never Love Again” by Lady Gaga from the movie A Star Is Born, encapsulating her deep sorrow.
Conclusion
Nathan Schaldach’s death is a tragic reminder of the risks inherent in the sport of drag racing. His legacy lives on through his love for the sport and the impact he had on those around him. As the racing community mourns, they also celebrate the passion and spirit he brought to the track.
